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Stand up for what you believe
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Published: October 31, 2008
This is an important day in church history. No, not because it is Halloween or for being the Friday before one of the most important presidential elections ever.
Let's take a trip back some 490 years to the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. On Oct. 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenburg Palace. Luther, a monk, publically objected to the way Johann Tetzel was selling indulgences. Indulgences were documents prepared by the church and bought by people, for their own use or on behalf of others, that would release them from punishment for their sins. Luther said that the forgiveness of sin was obtained by faith and by the grace of God.
Luther's stand as a reformer set off a debate that continued for several years. In addition to being against indulgences, Luther believed community in the church was of more importance than apostolic succession and humility was no longer a virtue that earned grace but a necessary response to the gift of grace.
In 1521, Luther came to Worms, Germany prepared for another debate, but quickly discovered that he was on trial. When he appeared before Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, he was asked to recant his views and teachings against the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther replied, "Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear and distinct grounds of reasoning ... then I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience." Then he added, "Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me! Amen."
Have you ever had to take a stand on an issue and it seemed you were the only one standing? In the current environment of political correctness, it would be very easy to duck the issues. God didn't call believers to be like chameleons, and simply lay aside important virtues such as integrity and character, to simply blend in.
Is the Lord calling you to take a stand today? It may be against some particular issue in our world or society. It may be an issue in your local church or your denomination. Whatever the issue, we must be willing to say "Here I stand" and be faithful to the Lord just as Luther was. This was the beginning of the Reformation Age. One faithful and committed person can make a difference!
The Rev. Trent Patterson is the pastor of Beulah Heights Wesleyan Church in Troutman.
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