“If he have faith, the believer cannot be restrained. He betrays himself. He breaks out. He confesses and teaches this gospel to the people at the risk of life itself.”
- November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546
- Born in the Holy Roman Empire (Germany)
- Reformer, theologian
- Promoted the Protestant Reformation and published the Ninety-five Theses
table of contents
Quote
“If he have faith, the believer cannot be restrained. He betrays himself. He breaks out. He confesses and teaches this gospel to the people at the risk of life itself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Martin Luther emphasizes the power of faith to compel the believer to act with courage and conviction, regardless of the risks involved. Luther asserts that true faith cannot be contained or hidden—it compels the believer to speak out, teach, and share the gospel, even when doing so puts their life in danger. For Luther, faith is not just a private or personal matter but a dynamic force that pushes believers to confess their beliefs publicly, without fear of persecution or retribution. The believer, filled with genuine faith in the gospel, cannot keep the good news to themselves but must share it with others, even at great personal cost.
Luther’s words reflect his own experience during the Protestant Reformation, when he took immense risks in confronting the Catholic Church’s teachings and practices. His refusal to recant his beliefs at the Diet of Worms in 1521, for example, demonstrated his unyielding commitment to the truth of the gospel, even when it meant facing the possibility of death. For Luther, the gospel—the message of justification by faith alone—was so central and powerful that it could not remain silent, no matter the personal consequences. His boldness in speaking out against the Church was a direct result of his faith, which filled him with the courage to teach and spread the gospel message to others.
In modern times, this quote serves as a reminder of the transformative and compelling nature of true faith. Whether in the face of personal or societal pressure, the believer who is deeply rooted in faith is compelled to live out their convictions openly and courageously. Whether in a world that challenges religious freedom, confronts moral issues, or promotes values contrary to one’s beliefs, this quote encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and to share the message of hope and redemption with others. It highlights that true faith cannot be suppressed; it naturally seeks expression and, when necessary, will take risks for the sake of the gospel.
