Emile: Concerning Luther. I never said that he was not a Christian. I believe that he was, but he was not perfect either. He held very prejudicial views against the jews, and stated so publicly. Luther, Erasmus, Wiclif, Tyndale, Briggs, Calvin, all founders of the Reformation Church, did just that. They reformed the Church. They brought back the literal interpretation of scripture. But, they didn't go the entire distance. This is the Church at Sardis in the Revelation. Jesus commends this church, but he also critisizes it. Jesus called it a dead church! What did they miss? They did not embrace the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which brings life and power to the church. The truths concerning the gifts of the Spirit were ignored by the Reformation Movement, and many of these denominations are truly dead today. These reformers were very studious types, and were reacting against the mysticism and allegorical interpretations found in the Catholic Church. It was somewhat understandable that they failed to embrace the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. Their zeal for the faith,in the beginning, cooled. Jesus is saying that this church needs the Holy Spirit working in it.
Lee |
