Here I stand

The religious views of Martin Luther were condemned as heretical by Pope Leo X. Luther was summoned to renounce his views but would not, saying "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract..." In that context he said something like "Hier stehe ich, ich kann nicht anders" (Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise). Those words of Luther are well known in the western and Protestant world. I am not Lutheran, but respect Luther or any other person who will stand on his or her views until convinced otherwise by the proofs of Scripture.

Some weeks ago I started to write a post on an idea that derived from "Here I Stand". By now that I have gotten around to writing, I've forgotten just what that idea was (no elderly jokes, please). So, instead, a few sentences.

Here I stand. By the grace of God I am what I am.
Here I stand. By the grace of God I am who I am.
Here I stand. In one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Here I stand. With loins girded about truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
Here I stand. In the liberty with which Christ made me free.
Here I stand. By faith.
Here I stand. By the grace of God I am what I am, and who I am.
Here I stand. Regardless of where I stand, God's counsel shall stand, and He will do all His pleasure.