The Word for Wednesday: John on The Holy Spirit

Welcome to The Word for Wednesday meme! Each week, you're invited to post a scripture that has touched your heart, whether it's an old favorite, new light from the Holy Spirit, or something you're pondering.

If you'd like to participate and share what God has written on your heart, use Mr. Linky below to let us all know you've posted. And your comments would be most welcome.

Last fall I visited Dan's book sale and came away with a box full of used treasures for ten bucks. If I were Jewish, I'd say, "Such a deal!" I've slowly been making my way through the pile, and the most recent is a real gem: The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century by Roland H. Bainton, copyrighted in 1952. If you ever wanted a crash course on the Reformation, this is the place to start.

One particular passage has caught my attention. On April 17, 1521, Martin Luther was being pressured at the Diet of Worms:

"Do you or do you not repudiate your books and the errors which they contain?"

Luther answered, "Since Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. 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 captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."

Even after this unyielding reply an attempt was made to break him down in a committee. He was reminded that if he would not yield the outcome would be division, insurrection, and war. Luther's answer amounted to this, that whereas in practical matters one may compromise, and even as to principles may concede the possibility of error, never is it right to deny belief in what one believes.

"The pope," said he, "is no judge of matters pertaining to God's word and faith. But the Christian man must examine and judge for himself."

What a refreshing statement. The Christian man must examine and judge for himself. While you might hear some modern Protestant pastors deny the authority of the pope, you typically won't hear them tell their sheep to "examine and judge for yourself." No, what you'll hear is that pastor's understanding of scripture, or that church or denomination's understanding of scripture, presented as "the truth."

In fact, this very significant element of the Reformation - denying the church's place to interpret scripture - has been lost to us. The very churches birthed in the sixteenth century now have creeds and doctrines enough to compete with that box of books I brought home - or even the Catholic church itself.

Somehow, church "authorities" never trust the Holy Spirit to teach, and usurp His place in our lives. No wonder the Holy Spirit gets grieved. No wonder His Presence is missing in most churches.

To counter this grave error, I present to you words recorded by the apostle John. May the Holy Spirit write them on your heart in faith.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (John 14:26)

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. (John 16:13)

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. (1 John 2:27)