This Sunday, April 18, 2021, is the 500th anniversary of the day that Martin Luther made his historic stand before Emperor Charles V in the city of Worms, Germany.

Here are the words Luther used in taking his stand on the Word of God:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise, here I stand, may God help me. Amen.”

Here is the 1877 painting by Anton von Werner depicting Martin Luther standing firm against the political and religious leaders of his day:

The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has designated April 18, 2021 as “Here I Stand Sunday”.

Visit: lcms.org/here-i-stand-sunday for more information.