Treatise on Good Works
by Martin Luther; annotated study edition by Timothy J. Wengert | Book Summary
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Author: Martin Luther; annotated study edition by Timothy J. Wengert
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In the 16th century, questions like this were quite literally world-changing. Even today, they remain life-changing. Into a world which laid demands and commands on ordinary Christian people requiring them to live in certain ways, to fulfill certain rituals, and to please certain authorities to have even a shaky assurance of salvation, Luther's voice rang as a clarion call to biblical faith. It is faith that is so transformative, and, says Luther, good works must spring from faith. Without faith, works are no good. With faith, however, good works are to be found, done, and enjoyed, in every aspect of every day, not simply in so-called high and holy places. "Luther's main goal was to commend a new, down-to-earth piety to all Christians." (p. 257) This was an easily misunderstood message then, and it remains easily misunderstood today, but Luther's radical message still has the power to transform our lives and the way we live them. |
Martin Luther was a bold and godly pastor, teacher and theologian, his 95 Theses nailed to the door of a Wittenberg church in 1517 is credited with beginning the movement that became the Protestant Reformation, of which Luther is the seminal figure.
As well as preaching, lecturing, and providing a German translation of the New Testament often credited with giving form to the modern German language, Luther wrote extensively.
Alongside Treatise on Good Works, Luther's most famous works are perhaps, On The Freedom of the Christian, The Bondage of the Will, and his Commentary on Galatians.
Treatise on Good Works
by Martin Luther; annotated study edition by Timothy J. Wengert
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | Martin Luther; annotated study edition by Timothy J. Wengert |
| Publisher | 1517 Media; Fortress Press |
| Date | 01 June 2016 |
| Pages | 116 |
Overview:
How should we understand the Christian's relationship with good deeds? Do good works contribute anything to a Christian's salvation? If not, then why do they form such an important part of the Christian life?
In the 16th century, questions like this were quite literally world-changing. Even today, they remain life-changing. Into a world which laid demands and commands on ordinary Christian people requiring them to live in certain ways, to fulfill certain rituals, and to please certain authorities to have even a shaky assurance of salvation, Luther's voice rang as a clarion call to biblical faith.
It is faith that is so transformative, and, says Luther, good works must spring from faith. Without faith, works are no good. With faith, however, good works are to be found, done, and enjoyed, in every aspect of every day, not simply in so-called high and holy places.
"Luther's main goal was to commend a new, down-to-earth piety to all Christians." (p. 257) This was an easily misunderstood message then, and it remains easily misunderstood today, but Luther's radical message still has the power to transform our lives and the way we live them.
Martin Luther was a bold and godly pastor, teacher and theologian, his 95 Theses nailed to the door of a Wittenberg church in 1517 is credited with beginning the movement that became the Protestant Reformation, of which Luther is the seminal figure.
As well as preaching, lecturing, and providing a German translation of the New Testament often credited with giving form to the modern German language, Luther wrote extensively.
Alongside Treatise on Good Works, Luther's most famous works are perhaps, On The Freedom of the Christian, The Bondage of the Will, and his Commentary on Galatians.