October 31, 2024
Here I Stand - Part 4
Revelation 14:6-7
10/31/2024
6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead,
with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who
dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and
language and people.
7 And he said with a loud voice, ``Fear God and give
him glory, because the hour of his judgment has
come, and worship him who made heaven and earth,
the sea and the springs of water.'' (ESV)
Several Lutheran commentators suggest that Saint John's
words written in the book of Revelations apply to Martin Luther.
The prophecies of that book have come to pass, with the exception
of the final judgment, hence the thought that the universal
proclamation of the truth of the Gospel now remains unfettered.
Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with
an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on
earth, to every nation and tribe and language and
people. And he said with a loud voice, ``Fear God and
give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has
come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the
sea and the springs of water.''
Martin Luther is an example for all Christians. When
confronted with the demand that he compromise his doctrine, his
understanding of the truth of the Bible, he retorted:
Unless I can be instructed and convinced from the Holy
Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds
and reasoning - and my conscience is captive to the
Word of God - then I cannot and will not recant,
because it is neither safe nor wise to act against
conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God
help me! Amen.[1]
May our Lord grant that each Christian take a clear and firm
stand on the truth of the Gospel, that God so loved the world
that He gave His only-begotten Son to pay the price of our sin.
Where there is the forgiveness of sins, there is eternal life.
May you have a blessed Reformation Day, knowing that your
are saved from sin and death by Christ Jesus alone. Amen.
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1. Luther the Reformer; James Kittelson; Augsburg; p. 161