Martin Luther -- part 6

This lecture has been edited and enhanced for ease of listening.

In this final lecture, Pastor Massey focuses on two major events in Luther's ministry as a reformer. First, Pastor Massey examines Luther's debate with the theologian Johann Eck in Leipzig in June and July 1519. It was at this debate that Luther expressed his belief that many of the articles of Jan Huss were “plainly Christian and evangelical, which the universal church cannot condemn,” and was accused of being a heretic himself.

Then, Pastor Massey devotes the rest of the lecture to Luther's famed appearance before the Diet of Worms in April 1521. It was at this congress that Luther made his immortal declaration: “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason (I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other) – my conscience is held captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.” At the end of this lecture, Pastor Massey stresses how Luther's defiant stand at the Diet of Worms inspired and gave courage to others in the work of reformation