Basic HTML Version
266
The Story of Redemption
of God rested upon him. His eloquence captivated his hearers, the
clearness and power with which he presented the truth convinced
their understanding, and his deep fervor touched their hearts.
A Leader in Reforms
In the providence of God he decided to visit Rome. An indul-
gence had been promised by the pope to all who should ascend on
their knees what was known as Pilate’s staircase. Luther was one
day performing this act, when suddenly a voice like thunder seemed
to say to him, “The just shall live by faith!” He sprang upon his
feet in shame and horror, and fled from the scene of his folly. That
text never lost its power upon his soul. From that time he saw more
clearly than ever before the fallacy of trusting to human works for
salvation, and the necessity of constant faith in the merits of Christ.
His eyes had been opened, and were never again to be closed, to the
Satanic delusions of the Papacy. When he turned his face from Rome
[342]
he had turned away also in heart, and from that time the separation
grew wider, until he severed all connection with the papal church.
After his return from Rome, Luther received at the University of
Wittenberg the degree of doctor of divinity. Now he was at liberty to
devote himself, as never before, to the Scriptures that he loved. He
had taken a solemn vow to study carefully and to preach with fidelity
the Word of God, not the sayings and doctrines of the popes, all
the days of his life. He was no longer the mere monk or professor,
but the authorized herald of the Bible. He had been called as a
shepherd to feed the flock of God, that were hungering and thirsting
for the truth. He firmly declared that Christians should receive no
other doctrines than those which rest on the authority of the Sacred
Scriptures. These words struck at the very foundation of papal
supremacy. They contained the vital principle of the Reformation.
Luther now entered boldly upon his work as a champion of
the truth. His voice was heard from the pulpit in earnest, solemn
warning. He set before the people the offensive character of sin, and
taught them that it is impossible for man, by his own works, to lessen
its guilt or evade its punishment. Nothing but repentance toward
God and faith in Christ can save the sinner. The grace of Christ
cannot be purchased; it is a free gift. He counseled the people not