November 6: THE CHARGE OF HERESY

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:12

Thoughtful minds across Europe and beyond were quietly giving attention to the teachings of Martin Luther. His writings and sermons, based entirely on Biblical truths, emanated beams of light that had an awakening, illuminating effect. Luther had developed the habit of testing every claim by the word of God, that two-edged sword. The lifting up of God’s word, as it fell upon receptive ears, cut its way directly into the hearts of thousands.

The light of God has a powerful way of exposing hidden motives and secret deeds. This exposure served to arouse the fears of the papal authorities. They saw that the acceptance of Biblical truth would undermine Rome’s hold over the minds of people. If they were to think for themselves, it could reduce the rivers flowing into the treasury, dramatically curtailing the luxurious and extravagant lifestyles of the papal leaders. The main premise of Rome’s authority rested upon the notion that no one could be saved who was not in “good standing” with the Church, a standing which could be bought with money.

In contrast to the quiet workings of God’s truth within individual hearts, Luther’s actions were perceived as an effrontery to the ways of Rome, and called for much noise and saber-rattling by the pope. Luther received a papal summons to come to Rome “to answer to the charge of heresy.” His friends knew the danger he would face in that corrupt city, and they protested. A request that the examination take place in Germany, after some haggling and delay, was finally granted. The pope sent a legate with written instructions that, as Luther had already been declared a heretic, he must acquire a full retraction or fully prosecute. This document empowered the papal legate and his emissaries to “banish, curse, and excommunicate all those who are attached to [Luther]”. Failure to seize Luther and root out his adherents, to deliver them up to the vengeance of Rome constituted neglect of duty to God.

Here is exposed the spirit behind the papacy. There was not a trace of Christian principle or common justice in the procedure ordered. Without any investigation, Luther was accused and judged a heretic, sentenced and condemned by the self-styled “holy father.”

Now that Luther had learned to lean fully upon the LORD as his anchor and stay, He—in His gracious providence—sent a true friend, possessed of godly wisdom, young, modest, mannerly, and eloquent: Philip Melanchthon, whose brilliant mind and gentle disposition complimented and balanced Luther’s courage and energy. Their great friendship added strength to the Reformation.

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17