Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by the things we do not see

Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by the things we do not see

Martin Luther, the 16th-century German monk and theologian, is often credited with sparking the Protestant Reformation through his bold actions and unwavering faith. Luther's famous quote, "Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by the things we do not see," encapsulates his belief in the power of faith to transcend the physical world and connect individuals to the divine.

Luther's own journey of faith was marked by a deep sense of conviction and a willingness to challenge the established religious authorities of his time. Born in 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Luther initially pursued a career in law before experiencing a profound spiritual awakening that led him to enter the monastery. As he delved into the study of scripture and theology, Luther became increasingly disillusioned with the corruption and abuses he saw within the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences as a means of obtaining forgiveness for sins.

In 1517, Luther famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, sparking a debate that would ultimately lead to his excommunication from the Catholic Church. Despite facing intense opposition and persecution, Luther remained steadfast in his belief that salvation could only be attained through faith in God's grace, not through the works or rituals prescribed by the church.

For Luther, faith was not simply a passive acceptance of religious doctrine, but an active engagement with the unseen realities of the spiritual realm. He believed that true faith required a willingness to be seized by the mysteries of God's presence and to trust in His promises, even when they seemed contrary to human reason or experience.

Luther's emphasis on faith as a transformative and liberating force resonated with many of his contemporaries, inspiring a movement that would forever alter the course of Christian history. By challenging the authority of the church and championing the primacy of faith in God's grace, Luther paved the way for a new understanding of Christianity that emphasized personal piety, individual conscience, and the direct relationship between believers and God.