The famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven once said: “Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the Divine.” Perhaps many, especially musicians, know this famous quote by one of the most illustrious composers of all time. However, over 200 years earlier, Martin Luther, a fellow German, a
One of the noblest testimonies ever uttered for the Reformation was the Protest offered by the Christian princes of Germany at the Diet of Spires in 1529. The courage, faith, and firmness of those men of God gained for succeeding ages liberty of thought and of conscience. Their Protest gave to the reformed church the name of Protestant; its princip
Luther's mysterious disappearance excited consternation throughout all Germany. Inquiries concerning him were heard everywhere. The wildest rumors were circulated, and many believed that he had been murdered. There was great lamentation, not only by his avowed friends, but by thousands who had not openly taken their stand with the Reformation. Many
In the choice of instrumentalities for the reforming of the church, the same divine plan is seen as in that for the planting of the church. The heavenly Teacher passed by the great men of the earth, the titled and wealthy, who were accustomed to receive praise and homage as leaders of the people. They were so proud and self-confident in their boast
Luther Summoned Before the Diet A new emperor, Charles V, had ascended the throne of Germany, and the emissaries of Rome hastened to present their congratulations and induce the monarch to employ his power against the Reformation. On the other hand, the elector of Saxony, to whom Charles was in great degree indebted for his crown, entreated him to
Foremost among those who were called to lead the church from the darkness of popery into the light of a purer faith, stood Martin Luther. Zealous, ardent, and devoted, knowing no fear but the fear of God, and acknowledging no foundation for religious faith but the Holy Scriptures, Luther was the man for his time; through him God accomplished a grea
Faith in Bohemia The gospel had been planted in Bohemia as early as the ninth century. The Bible was translated, and public worship was conducted, in the language of the people. But as the power of the pope increased, so the word of God was obscured. [Pope] Gregory VII, who had taken it upon himself to humble the pride of kings, was no less intent
As Seventh-day Adventists, we have often seen ourselves as the heirs of the Protestant Reformation and defenders of Sola Scriptura. Despite this, we seldom think about our indebtedness to the theological giants that came before us. So in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, The Compass Magazine invites you to submit an arti
Martin Luther: A Hero of Liberty and Freedom of Speech Championed by Martin Luther, October 31, 2017 will mark the 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. In recognition of his many contributions, Peter Stanford of The Guardian highlights two major areas—human liberty and freedom of speech. He writes, "For Luther championed conscience
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor… Then come and follow me.” (Luke 18:22) Some time ago in a theology class I was told that a certain Peter Waldo had grossly and foolishly misinterpreted Luke 18:22 when around 1160 he up and sold all he had and started a nondescr
