The events of October 31, 1517, are fairly well known in church circles. When Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, the Protestant Reformation was touched off. Those 95 statements emphasized that forgiveness is given through Jesus alone and cannot be bought with money. But do you know what happened six days before?

On October 25, 1517, Luther preached a sermon in Saxony, and Duke George “The Bearded” was in attendance. Luther preached a very Reformation-like message: “Our salvation must always remain our foremost concern. Man can obtain it only through faith in Christ Jesus, not by his own good works.”

At dinner that evening, the duke asked his wife’s friend, “How did you like brother Martin’s sermon?” “Ah,” she replied, “let me hear just one more like it, and I can die in peace.” The duke was furious. He exclaimed, “I would have paid not to hear it. It makes people secure to sin!”

The duke misunderstood the power of grace. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34,36). The grace of God does not make us alive to sin but instead makes us alive from sin. Sin’s chains lay on the floor at your feet. You are truly free. Free to love others as Jesus loved you. Free to forgive as he has forgiven you. Free to serve in a million ways!