Luther's Pilgrimage of Faith; The Power of Personal Testimony

Title: Luther's Pilgrimage of Faith; The Power of Personal Testimony Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 26 October 2025 Bible: Romans 1:17 This sermon centres on the transformative power of a personal testimony, exemplified through Martin Luther's journey from spiritual despair to profound faith, rooted in Romans 1:17—the just shall live by faith. It traces Luther's early life burdened by fear of a wrathful God, his rigorous monastic efforts to attain peace through works, and his eventual breakthrough upon studying Scripture in Wittenberg, where he discovered salvation by grace through faith alone. The sermon emphasizes that true righteousness comes not through church rituals or personal merit, but through a direct, personal relationship with Christ, who bore humanity's sin and imputes His righteousness. This revelation—what Luther called the 'great exchange'—liberates believers from legalism and invites all to experience the gospel's life-changing power. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, calling listeners to examine their own hearts and embrace the same faith that freed Luther, urging them to know God personally and share that testimony with boldness.