TRUTH TRIUMPHS OVER TYRANTS 1400-1650 AD
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
During this time period a new group of liberators were being raised up that would change, not only the course of history, but bring in principles that would enhance and change Western civilization. These liberators were men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Tyndale, Swingli and many others.
They were men of conviction. Their faith in the Lord was not a preference, something they preferred over other faiths, but their faith was a conviction. It was in their very fiber of who they were. The difference between a faith that is a preference and one that is a conviction is that a preference can be changed if enough pressure is brought to bear upon the person. A person with a faith that is a conviction is unchangeable, if necessary is willing to stand alone; the matter is non-negotiable and they do not need to be assured of success before they stand. These were the men that God was raising up ‘for such a time as this.’
Martin Luther was brought before the “diet of Worms.” Worms is a city in Germany. The Emperor of Germany held a council in the city of Worms. These council meetings were called a “diet” (from the Latin word “dies,” meaning day) because originally the meetings lasted for one day. Here is what Luther said: “Since your Majesty and your Lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason, I do not accept the authority of popes or councils, for they have contradicted each other. My conscience is bound by the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything; to go against conscience is not right or safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. So help me, God. Amen.”
It was also during this time that the printing press was invented and this helped to speed up the Word of God in being released. It was seen to be more powerful than sword or any army that ever marched. The Truth was being discovered and the Truth is what sets us free. Within 30 years a good part of Europe had become Protestants.
At the dawn of the 17th century despotic tyrants were still trying to hang onto their thrones, but the people had a new light that was beginning to shine into the darkest places in the most corrupt cities. This new light was being preached in pulpits throughout Geneva, Edinburgh and England and it was setting the people free.
This freedom did not come without a cost. Bodies were burned and tortured. Thousands were exiled and, in some places, whole towns were annihilated by those who were trying to put out the Holy Spirit fire. However, when England was at its worst, a new reformation was being started. John Knox, as a galley slave, looked out and said: “Give me Scotland or I die.” The Word of God was more powerful in the hearts of these men than the tyranny of the king.
When we trace the advancement of the Kingdom we see the ministry of the Holy Spirit. John Knox discipled John Witherspoon and it was Witherspoon who discipled some of our founding fathers here in America. A foundation was being built over a period of 1700 years.
A strategy that was used then to bring Reformation is also the strategy that we can use now to bring in Reformation today. Not compromising but going out as conquerors in Christ.