Martin Luther’s Law and Gospel

The resolution of Martin Luther’s (1483–1546) personal spiritual crisis led to a movement that changed the world.1

Martin LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more was an extraordinary man who was born at a unique point in time when European society and Christianity were primed for radical change. The economic structure was changing from the feudal system to an early capitalist system, providing greater personal freedom for individuals. The continent was recovering from the devastation of the black death which had wiped out half the population, resulting in greater value of human life and rights for the common man. The precariousness of life led to a period of religious fervor, which in turn bred widespread corruption as the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more capitalized on this devout societal mindset. Anticlericalism rose as many individuals resented the clergy’s privileged status, who too often lived hypocritical, impious lives of immorality and greed as they sold an indispensable commodity: salvation from endless torment in hell.

The political structure of Europe was also precarious as a result of the rivalry between the Hapsburg dynasty, the French crown and the growing strength of regional nobles collectively referred to as princes. These political leaders were displeased with the amount of wealth flowing out of their kingdoms and into Rome, which was a political rival governing the papal states in Italy. The papacyThe office of pope in the Roman Catholic Church which is the highest office in its hierarchical structure. more had been weakened by the Avignonthe city in France where the pope resided from 1309 to 1377, which timeframe is referred to as the Babylonian Captivity of the papacy. more papacyThe office of pope in the Roman Catholic Church which is the highest office in its hierarchical structure. more and the related papal schism, while universities became new institutions wielding great influence across national boundaries. The invention of the printing press created the tool to spread a new message of hope over this fertile ground.

Martin Luther’s father was a strong-willed peasant who rose out of poverty by seizing an opportunity to acquire wealth through mining. He was a leader among men and became the mayor of their town. He was a pious and stern man who ruled his household with an iron fist. Martin projected his feelings toward his father onto God. Like many in his era, he viewed God as a stern judgmental almighty autocrat who demanded perfectionIn Christian theology it refers to the Protestant (chiefly Methodist) doctrine and the Holiness tradition that entire sanctification (Holiness and perfection) is not only possible but standard for believers. more and absolute fidelity.

Because of his wealth and status, Martin Luther’s father was able to arrange for Martin to attend a university. His father was eager for Martin to continue his legacy in the secularOf the world in contrast to the divine. more world through the study of lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more. Martin was bright and a good student, even though he did not enjoy his studies. His life changed when he was walking home to visit his parents in a violent thunderstorm and a bolt of lightning struck right next to him. He fell to the ground and promised God he would become a monk if He allowed Martin to survive the storm. When he arrived home, he informed his father what had happened and of his decision to become a monk. His father was livid. For many years, Martin was torn between the promise he made to God and the commandment to honor one’s parents. He felt that he was a sinner, regardless of which choice he made.

He joined the Augustiniantheologies founded on Augustine’s theology which formed the foundation for Western Christian theology for Catholics, Lutherians and Calvinists. more order which had been founded by Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more of Hippo in antiquity. As a novice monk, he went to extremes in his effort to please God. He said more prayers, and held more vigils and fasts than any other monk at the monastery. He went to such an excess that the head of the monastery became concerned for him. He gave Martin several books written by Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more and told him to take time off from his monastic duties to deal with his spiritual insecurities. Reading Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more, Martin discovered the doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. He felt liberated from his anxiety by the concept of a loving God who elects to save some of the flawed human race out of His goodness and not because of their good works. Martin was transformed. He excelled and was sent to the new University of WittenbergNorthern German town where Luther taught in its university from 1511 until his death and where the Protestant Reformation began and remained the center of Lutheran Reformation. more, founded by Frederick the WiseFrederick III (A.D. 1463–1525) was an Elector from Saxony who famously protected Martin Luther from the Holy Roman Emperor, the Pope, and others. Although Frederick remained Catholic throughout his life, he did seem to gradually move towards doctrines from the... more, to further his education.

After obtaining his doctorate, he joined the faculty in 1511 and was assigned to give lectures on the books of the Bible. While preparing his lecture on Paul’s epistle to the Romans, Martin LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more had another epiphany that dramatically developed his personal theology: we are saved by faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more alone. He determined this based on Paul’s writings. Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more explained to the Roman Christians that the Jews of their day sought to please God through their ritualistic observance of the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more without the requisite faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in God. LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more took it one step further. He believed Paul’s message was that all one needed to do to be saved was to have faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, which was a gift from God to all those who sought it. We please God by believing the story of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more and not by anything we do. He felt that the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more served two purposes: 1) to regulate civil relationships in society and 2) to drive us to seek God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more because of our inability to keep all the commandments. Hence, the scriptures contain two theologies, one of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and the other of lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more, although the theology of lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more does not save us but condemns us.

He used the analogy of a princeIn the 16th century Europe this term referred to a class of ruler in the Holy Roman Empire to whom local lords and barons owed feudal allegiance, and was not restricted to a son of a king. more marrying a prostitute because he loved her (possibly an idea taken from the Book of Hosea). Through the unity of their marriage, the princeIn the 16th century Europe this term referred to a class of ruler in the Holy Roman Empire to whom local lords and barons owed feudal allegiance, and was not restricted to a son of a king. more eliminated all his unworthy bride’s guiltLuther uses this term to identify the reality of guilt and not the feeling of remorse for wrong-doing. Terror was the emotion Luther equated with a guilty conscious. more, while she received all the honor and riches that the princeIn the 16th century Europe this term referred to a class of ruler in the Holy Roman Empire to whom local lords and barons owed feudal allegiance, and was not restricted to a son of a king. more had. Likewise, through this “blessed exchange,” Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more takes on all our sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more and death itself while we receive all he has: his righteousness and his holiness. When we believe his promise, he justifies and sanctifies us while we remain sinners. Unlike subsequent ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more movements, Luther’s is still grounded in the promises found in the sacraments of baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more, the Eucharist more and confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more. He told his followers that they needed to trust in the words of the sacraments as if it were ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more himself making a promise to forgive and sanctify them. God does not lie, so we must believe what He says.

LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more taught that we have to acknowledge our depraved, lost state as sinners and to trust in the promise of God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. If we rely on our own efforts in any way, that is a sign we do not believe God’s promise of redemption. We need to believe that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more died “for me,” not just some abstract concept of the redemption of mankind. If we believe God’s promise, we are both righteousA translation of the Latin term justitia meaning “justice.” For Luther, righteous and justice refer to exactly the same thing, being justified or right in the sight of God independent of our actions. See justification. more and sinners at the same time. We become justified and righteousA translation of the Latin term justitia meaning “justice.” For Luther, righteous and justice refer to exactly the same thing, being justified or right in the sight of God independent of our actions. See justification. more solely through ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more and not by anything we do. But we cannot truly trust God’s promise until we give up all hope of justifying ourselves through our good works. LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more went so far as to say, “Sin boldly, but trust in God even more boldly, for we are saved by faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more alone.”2 If we believe, then God’s righteousness is imputed to us.

This was a drastic departure from the theology of the medieval Catholic Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. Fundamentally, the late medieval worldview was grounded in penitential consciousness. After the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215, which made the sacrament more of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more private, the Christian worldview shifted from Augustine’s idea that life is a pilgrimage back to God into a guiltLuther uses this term to identify the reality of guilt and not the feeling of remorse for wrong-doing. Terror was the emotion Luther equated with a guilty conscious. more trip focused on judgment and fear of eternal damnation.

To understand how private confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more changed Christendom’s worldview, we need to quickly recap Augustine’s sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more paradigm. All humankind is subject to Adam’s original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more and condemned to suffer in hell for eternity. However, to demonstrate God’s supremacy, He has elected to save a few select individuals by offering them graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more that they cannot resist. Eternal bliss is realized by going to heaven to see God, but we can get a glimpse of this beatific visionA Catholic concept advocated by Augustine related to seeing the essence of God with your mind’s eye, which is the ultimate goal of human existence. The term “beatific” refers to the bliss or ultimate happiness that one realizes in comprehending... more and joy by seeing God in our mind’s eye during our sojourn on earth. Our spiritual journey to God begins with faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in God and does not end until our will is subsumed into God’s will. God’s loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more is the engine that pulls us along life’s journey to Him. Our duty is to pray for God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more so we will feel his loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more and be empowered to obey the commandment to loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more God with all our heart, soul and strength. As we proceed down this path, our loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more for Him grows, and we develop virtues that bring us closer to God. As our free will cooperates with God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more in developing our loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more for God and neighbor, we become more worthy and have more meritA person’s right of deserving reward. In Catholicism it consists of two parts, Condign merit (a concept developed by Augustine) referring to good works of love that are performed through God’s grace making a person worthy of the reward of... more to go to heaven and enjoy God’s presence, but ultimately, our meritA person’s right of deserving reward. In Catholicism it consists of two parts, Condign merit (a concept developed by Augustine) referring to good works of love that are performed through God’s grace making a person worthy of the reward of... more originates and grows out of God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more for us. 3

Originally, confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more was reserved for notorious sins, but over time it expanded to encompass all sins. Once confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more became private, the priests turned it into probing sessions of the desires of the heart. The objective of loving God with all one’s heart was always the goal, but the concept of mortal sinIs the Roman Catholic doctrine that various sins are so grave that they kill the new life in Christ that was conferred at baptism, and if a person dies in this state of mortal sin he or she goes to... more expanded to encompass any action that was done with evil intent, regardless of the gravity of the harm. So, in essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more, instead of having a lifetime for our loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more to grow, individuals were damned if they hadn’t already achieved perfectionIn Christian theology it refers to the Protestant (chiefly Methodist) doctrine and the Holiness tradition that entire sanctification (Holiness and perfection) is not only possible but standard for believers. more, unless they had been absolved of all their sins by the priest. Everyone is deficient, so the sacrament more of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more became the new focal point of daily existence. This penitential consciousness dominated the late medieval worldview. Confession and acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more to pay for one’s sins were constantly on people’s mind. Fear of judgment supplanted loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more for God.4

Thus, LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more was not alone in his spiritual anxiety. The certainty of his message of comfort resonated with the populace and gave them hope. At first, very few people were aware of Martin LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more and his message of salvation by faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more alone. That soon changed when the archbishop and the popeThe Roman Catholic bishop of Rome who is regarded as the successor of the chief apostle, Peter, and as the Vicar of Christ is the holder of the Apostolic See and head of Christ’s church on earth. more needed to raise money to pay their debts. The popeThe Roman Catholic bishop of Rome who is regarded as the successor of the chief apostle, Peter, and as the Vicar of Christ is the holder of the Apostolic See and head of Christ’s church on earth. more decided to sell freedom from purgatoryIs the place in Roman Catholic theology where those who die in a state of grace, but not yet clean from the stain of sin, suffer temporal punishment in a purification process. more on a grand scale.

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