"Again he was urged to submit to the judgment of the emperor, and then he would have nothing to fear. “I consent,” said he in reply, “with all my heart, that the emperor, the princes, and even the meanest Christian, should examine and judge my works; but on one condition, that they take the word of God for their standard. Men have nothing to do but to obey it. Do not offer violence to my conscience, which is bound and chained up with the Holy Scriptures.”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 10. GC 166.1"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Both passages illustrate the principle of prioritizing obedience to God's word over the dictates of human authority. Luther's insistence on the Bible as the standard for judgment aligns with the sentiment expressed in Acts 5:29.
"To another appeal he said: “I consent to renounce my safe-conduct. I place my person and my life in the emperor's hands, but the word of God—never!”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 10. He stated his willingness to submit to the decision of a general council, but only on condition that the council be required to decide according to the Scriptures. “In what concerns the word of God and the faith,” he added, “every Christian is as good a judge as the pope, though supported by a million councils, can be for him.”—Martyn 1:410. Both friends and foes were at last convinced that further effort for reconciliation would be useless. GC 166.2"
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Both passages share the theme of prioritizing spiritual conviction and obedience to God's word over physical safety and the fear of earthly powers. Luther's willingness to risk his life rather than compromise his faith echoes the sentiment of Matthew 10:28, choosing to risk physical harm rather than deny his beliefs.
"Had the Reformer yielded a single point, Satan and his hosts would have gained the victory. But his unwavering firmness was the means of emancipating the church, and beginning a new and better era. The influence of this one man, who dared to think and act for himself in religious matters, was to affect the church and the world, not only in his own time, but in all future generations. His firmness and fidelity would strengthen all, to the close of time, who should pass through a similar experience. The power and majesty of God stood forth above the counsel of men, above the mighty power of Satan. GC 166.3"
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The EGW passage describes Luther's struggle against the forces of evil, which aligns with the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6:12. The verse provides a broader context for understanding the nature of the conflict Luther faced.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Both passages highlight overcoming through faith and testimony, even unto death. Luther's unwavering stance, as described in the EGW passage, echoes the spirit of Revelation 12:11.
"Luther was soon commanded by the authority of the emperor to return home, and he knew that this notice would be speedily followed by his condemnation. Threatening clouds overhung his path; but as he departed from Worms, his heart was filled with joy and praise. “The devil himself,” said he, “guarded the pope's citadel; but Christ has made a wide breach in it, and Satan was constrained to confess that the Lord is mightier than he.” —D'Aubigne, b. 7, ch. 11. GC 166.4"
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
The EGW passage describes Luther's confidence in Christ's power over the devil, even in the face of danger. This aligns with 1 John 4:4, which assures believers that they have overcome the world because God is greater than the world. Both passages emphasize the power of God over evil.