The man lay motionless in his bed, wondering if what he was about to do was even remotely logical.  His mind had been plagued for years on thoughts of obtaining a place in heaven.  He had pursued every possible way known to insure that possibility.  The greater part of his life so far was consumed with the church and studying its doctrine.

It was a different time – a different place – a similar world.  The church had become corrupt.  Satan had wormed his way into this rock of Christian teaching and manipulated it to his own advantage.  He seems to find great joy in getting into God’s house and messing things up.

Martin Luther had dedicated his life to the church, because he loved God and wanted to do His will.  He became a Catholic monk – gave up his worldly pursuits – felt motivated to work hard to obtain freedom from his sins.  It took a while for him to realize that it simply wasn’t in his power.  While studying the Latin Bible he found several verses proving that it was by the grace of God –  faith in what God had already done – and the truth found in the Word of God that salvation had already been won.

It was the perfect time in history.  The printing press was now making it possible to reach the masses with news as well as making the Bible available in their own language.

Martin Luther struggled for sleep.  He knew that his words were not only going to stir things up, but they would change the course of history.  Rest finally came when he realized that it wasn’t his doing that would change things.  It was God working through His instrument, Martin, to achieve His goals.

Ephesians 2:8-9  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.”