Faith

“So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.” – Romans 3:28 NLT

He was born in Switzerland as Philip Schwartzerd on this day in 1497. Orphaned when just ten, he was raised by his great uncle. His lifelong love of learning led Philip to change his name to Melanchthon, the Greek equivalent of Schwartzerd, which means black earth.

When just twenty-one, he was appointed professor of Greek at the University of Wittenberg. Martin Luther objected to this appointment but later became impressed with Melanchthon’s ideas. The two became friends, united in ministry.

Luther once said, “I am rough, boisterous, stormy, and altogether warlike … but Master Philip comes along softly and gently sowing and watering with joy.” Luther became a public lightning rod, but Melanchthon provided scholarly support for the reformation as a teacher and writer. He urged believers to realize that the Bible declares that salvation must be by faith rather than by works.

Melanchthon was compassionate toward those with whom he disagreed, developing the “Augsburg Confession” as an attempt to bring healing. Showing his motivation, he once said, “If I could purchase union by my own death, I would gladly sacrifice my life.”

Melanchthon’s life reminds us that we are to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). We are saved by faith, not anything we do. As Paul wrote, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8). Trust God. Walk by faith!