March 2025
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – The ROCK – March 2025 – Rev. Logan Landes
If asked, most people familiar with Martin Luther and with hymnody would say that the most famous hymn written and composed by Martin Luther is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” While this is certainly not his only hymn and many of his other hymns are also deeply moving and edifying, this particular hymn does stand out for the historical context of its composition and also for the personal and timeless application to each Christian’s life.
In 1517, Martin Luther, a monk and professor of theology, famously nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. Whether he recognized the impact that this singular action would make upon the entire world or not, the results that came from this nailing were literally historical and continue to influence our living to this day. From this one action the entire Protestant Reformation was launched.
The entire Protestant Reformation, which was intended to do just as it implies, reform the Roman Catholic Church- not break away, began with these theses. Luther challenged the practices, teachings, and authority of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in areas such as the sale of indulgences, the interpretation of Scripture, and the authority of the Pope. While this act was intended by Luther to be the start of a Christian dialogue, the resulting struggle became quite heated and hostile.
In 1521 Martin Luther, for holding fast to his understanding of Scripture and his writings, was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church after he refused to recant. He was not alone. His teachings on salvation by faith alone and the authority of Scripture resonated with many, leading to the formation of a Protestant movement. This movement is known as the Reformation and it undoubtedly placed much pressure and distress upon Luther. Not only was his membership in the Roman Catholic Church taken from him, but his very life was threatened.
It was during the many years of the Protestant Reformation, while Luther and his followers were facing significant resistance and even persecution, that Martin Luther penned and composed “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” In the 1520s, Luther was wading through turbulent times both politically and religiously, especially since these two distinct areas were closely tangled. Martin Luther as the leader of this reformation was deeply involved in the battles both in politics and religion. Scholars say that it was sometime between 1527 and 1529 that Martin Luther penned and composed his most famous hymn. This hymn was not just an expression of his personal faith, but also a response to the challenges faced by the Reformation movement. It was intended to be both a comfort and a rallying cry for the Protestant Church under siege by the Roman Catholic Church and its allies.
The hymn in its entirety is sourced clearly from Scripture, the most prevalent biblical source being Psalm 46 in which God is spoken of as a refuge and a strength in times of trouble. It was from here that Luther’s “Mighty Fortress” imagery was found. The hymn also emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God especially during times of distress. It was for this reason that Luther would create this hymn and encourage the Church to sing it. As the Protestant Church received blow after blow from the Roman Catholic Church, this hymn helped comfort and encourage the followers of the Protestant movement.
Luther wrote this hymn in a style that was quite fresh during his time. Rather than making it a piece of music too difficult for the average churchgoer or in a language unfamiliar to the average layman, Martin Luther composed the music as a chorale – a type of hymn intended to be sung by the entire congregation, and he wrote it in the German language all would have been familiar with. He wanted to make such music accessible to all people so that the Word of God and the encouraging and comforting effects of music would be available for anyone and everyone.
We are a Church of the modern day that continues to receive blow after blow, not so much from the Roman Catholic Church anymore, but from the world. We receive every bit of persecution from sin, death, and the Devil and it is very easy to become distressed or discouraged. As we enter into the season of Lent and our sins are very purposefully and plainly held before our sorrowing eyes, there is a temptation to despair. Our sin can cause us to believe that we are far outside of God’s love or care and that we have no business to be a part of His people.
While Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is not typically considered a Lenten hymn and is often not sung during the season, we can learn from it. We can receive comfort and encouragement from it, even if all we do is read its text during our own personal devotion times. Let the words of this hymn, derived from Scripture, build you up, that yes, you are a sinner. But no, sin, death, and the Devil will not and cannot have you. For you have a Mighty Fortress, and He is God our Lord. He has defeated sin, put an end to death, and triumphed over Satan. While we may still suffer the consequences and the agonies of sin and the temptations of the Devil, we know that we shall overcome, for our Mighty Fortress shall safeguard us through it all. God shall protect us through life and death.
When we come out the other side of this Lenten season, we shall see the glorious love of God and His provision for us as we march through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and especially, Easter. If we want to know how God guards us like a Fortress. If we want to know how Satan is defeated. If we are to confess that even one little Word shall fell our wicked foe. Then look to the cross, and then of course, to the empty tomb.
The Church shall continue her march in the truths of God and His Word. We shall continue to take refuge and draw strength in our God. And we shall continue to lift up our voices in such powerful hymns and confessions as, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” But not only this hymn, but all good and faithful hymns that the Lord has graciously blessed His Church with, until the day when we shall be brought to join the eternal choir of saints in God’s Heavenly Kingdom forever.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen.