October 19, 2021

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

For the genuine seeker of truth, God’s word has the power to enter the heart and mind of that person, surgically cutting away that which ought not to be there. Its purity and plainness is received with gratitude, for that genuine seeker understands that God, in His love, desires to fit him for heaven.

But anyone content with sin in his life not only turns a blind eye to the simple truths and clear instructions presented in the word of God, but he is offended by them. Jesus said, “…blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” (Matthew 11:6)

Luther’s trial continues:

“What I have just said plainly shows, I hope, that I have carefully weighed and considered the dangers to which I expose myself; but far from being dismayed, I rejoice to see that the gospel is now, as in former times, a cause of trouble and dissension. This is the character, this is the destiny, of the Word of God. ‘I came not to send peace on the earth, but a sword,’ said Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:34). God is wonderful and terrible in His counsels; beware lest, by presuming to quench dissentions, you should persecute the holy Word of God, and draw down upon yourselves a frightful deluge of insurmountable dangers, of present disasters, and eternal desolation….I might quote many examples from the oracles of God. I might speak of the Pharaohs, the kings of Babylon, and those of Israel, whose labors never more effectually contributed to their own destruction than when they sought by counsels, to all appearance most wise, to strengthen their dominion. God removeth mountains, and they know it not.”

Luther’s answer was delivered in German. Now he was ordered to repeat the entire answer in Latin. Even though exhausted, Luther did so energetically—by the grace of God—and with clarity. This repetition actually helped many of those princes whose minds were clouded by superstition and error to better grasp Luther’s force of reasoning. But those who chose to stubbornly close their eyes to the light were enraged at the power of Luther’s words. The Diet spokesman thundered: “Will you or will you not retract?”

It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. Matthew 10:25-26a