A Hymn for October 31

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther took a bold stand for truth when he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. His actions sparked what we now call the Protestant Reformation.

Luther believed the Bible—not church tradition—was the ultimate authority, and that salvation comes by faith alone, not by works.

He also championed the idea that everyone, not just choirs or clergy, should join in singing praise to God. To help make that possible, he published his own hymnal containing just eight hymns—four of which he wrote himself, including the powerful “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

One of my favorite lines from this hymn seems fitting for this anniversary that also falls on Halloween. We're reminded that "although this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God as willed His truth to triumph through us."

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

by Martin Luther, 1529

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.