A MIGHTY FORTRESS

Words and Music by Martin Luther, 1483–1546
English Translation by Frederick H. Hedge, 1805–1890

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1, 2)

October 31, 1517, is perhaps the most important day in Protestant history. This was the day when Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk and a professor of theology, posted on the doors of the Cathedral of Wittenberg, Germany, his 95 theses (complaints) against the teachings and practices of the medieval Roman Church. With this event, the 16th century Protestant Reformation was formally born.

The Protestant Reformation movement was built on three main tenets:

The re-establishment of the Scriptures.
Clarifying the means of salvation.
The restoration of congregational singing.

“A Mighty Fortress” was written and composed by Martin Luther. The date of the hymn cannot be fixed with any exact certainty. It is generally believed, however, to have been written for the Diet of Spires in 1529 when the term “protestant” was first used. The hymn became the great rallying cry of the Reformation.

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 tho this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thru 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 thru 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.

Breathe a prayer of thanks to God for reformers such as Martin Luther, who laid the foundations for our evangelical faith. Praise Him on this Reformation Day for this truth—

For Today: Deuteronomy 33:27; 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalm 46; Isaiah 26:4

Osbeck, K. W.

• The eternal God is thy refuge, and under his arms thou art forever: he shall cast out the enemy before thee, and will say, Destroy them. Deuteronomy 33:27
• And he said, The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and he that delivereth me. 2 Samuel 22:2
• God is our hope and strength, and help in troubles, read to be found. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains fall into the midst of the sea, Though the waters thereof rage and troubled, and the mountains shake at the surges of the same. Selah. Yet there is a River, whose stream shall make glad the City of God: even the Sanctuary of the Tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of it: therefore shall it not be moved: God shall help it very early. When the nations raged, and the kingdoms were moved, God thundred, and the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come and behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the world, he breakeh the bow, and cutteth the spear, and burneth the chariots with fire. Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46
• Trust in the Lord forever: for in the Lord God is strength forevermore. Isaiah 26:4