October 20, 2021

…they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Acts 5:27b-29

Luther’s response to the thundering question of retraction ended thus: “…my conscience bound by the Word of God, I cannot and will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me. Amen.” His tone had been humble and most respectful. His countenance radiated peace and joy—a powerful illustration of the superiority of a pure faith that overcomes the world. The entire assembly was speechless for a time. Those who could think only of how to hold on to their power resorted to threats while pronouncing him an “incorrigible heretic.” Again Luther responded calmly: “May God be my helper, for I can retract nothing.”

So now, two very conflicting opinions swirled among the members of the Diet. Emperor Charles V was heavily influenced by Aleander’s persuasion that it was “folly and danger” to sacrifice the friendship and support of the powerful Holy See of Rome for the cause of a “poor, insignificant heretic.” The next day the emperor sent a message to the Diet saying he was determined to carry out the policy of his predecessors to maintain and protect the Catholic religion; he would follow through with every means at his disposal to destroy Luther and his followers. In summary, he had heard truth, clearly and magnificently presented, yet made the deliberate choice to reject it.

“There are many at the present day thus clinging to the customs and traditions of their fathers. When the Lord sends them additional light, they refuse to accept it, because, not having been granted to their fathers, it was not received by them. We are not placed where our fathers were; consequently our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs. We shall not be approved of God in looking to the example of our fathers to determine our duty instead of searching the Word of Truth for ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than that of our ancestors. We are accountable for the light which they received, and which was handed down as an inheritance for us, and we are accountable also for the additional light which is now shining upon us from the Word of God.” E.G.White The Great Controversy (p 164)

Jesus said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.” John 15:22 (see also Acts 17:30, Titus 2:12, James 4:17)