John Huss was a preacher and scholar who became the rector (or leading administrator) at the University of Prague in 1402. From this esteemed position in what is now the Czech Republic, Huss called for reform in the church. Specifically, he advocated for a return to the biblical truth that forgiveness cannot be bought from the church but must be granted by God.

Even though his view was solidly biblical, the king and the pope (John XXIII) saw his teaching as a heretical threat on the established church. Thus, he was excommunicated and he withdrew to the country to continue writing about the need for change.

The church later called a meeting to discuss matters of theological importance. Emperor Sigismud invited Huss to attend the council to defend himself and offered him safety through royal protection.

Upon his arrival, Huss was taken before the pope and ordered to recant his heresy. When he refused, he was treated like a prisoner. The emperor, realizing what was happening, ordered his release. However, upon noticing that Huss’ cause was not popular and any help to him would look like support for a heretic, the emperor refused to provide the safety he had promised.

On June 5, 1415, Huss was brought before the council in chains and ordered to submit to the assembly by recanting his heresy. Knowing that any admission of guilt would involve denying biblical truth and convinced that he would not receive a fair trial, Huss declared….

“I appeal to Jesus Christ, the only judge who is almighty and completely just. In his hands I place my cause, since he will judge each, not on the basis of false witnesses and erring councils, but of truth and justice.”

Huss was taken back to prison and many people pled with him to recant. He would not.

On July 6, he was taken to the cathedral and dressed in priestly garments. In acts of humiliation they stripped him, shaved his head, and placed a paper crown decorated with demons on him. Then, they led him away, tied him to a stake, and gave him one final chance to recant. When he would not, they burned him.

Before they lit the fire he prayed aloud, “Lord Jesus, it is for thee that I patiently endure this cruel death. I pray thee to have mercy on my enemies.” As the flames engulfed him he was heard reciting the Psalms.

In societies where biblical truth is not valued, those men and women who cling to it have always faced persecution. We live in such a society. So don’t be surprised when our commitment to the Truth requires us to a pay an earthly price.

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*Again, I’m in debt to Justo L. Gonzalez’s fine work in The Story of Christianity, vol. 1, pp. 348-351.