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Resources
& Links > Bible Studies > Lutheran Theology and
Beliefs > The Reformation
Lutheran Theology and Beliefs
Page 1
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Part 1: Martin Luther's Struggles
outline from a study by Pastor Mason Okubo
October 12, 2008
Martin Luther, born of a rich family, is terrorized by a
lightning
storm and vows to become a monk (July 2, 1505). This angers his father,
who wanted him to become a lawyer. Luther joins an Augustinian
monastery.
Luther struggles with the awareness of his sinful
nature. He only saw an angry and condemnning God. He could not believe:
- That God loved him
- That he could love God enough
He thought that if he could inflict enough pain on
himself he could become worthy.
The Vicar General of the Augustine Monastery, Johann von
Staupitz, sends Luther to Rome to see the Relics of the Church.
Luther rejects the veneration of relics and rebels
against the selling of forgiveness of sins through papal indulgences.
During his studies he realizes the true nature of
salvation.
"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the
salvation of everyone who believes: first the Jew, then the Gentile.
For in the Gospel is revealed a righteousness that is by faith from
first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by
faith." (Romans 1:16-17)
His three great discoveries: Sola Gratia, Sola Fide,
Sola Scriptura.
- Sola Gratia (by grace alone). He
finally understands the
meaning of the righteousness of God. It delivers, not merely judges. It
is a gift placed upon the shoulders of those who put their faith in
Christ.
- Sola Fide (by faith alone). "The
just will live by faith alone! Salvation would not be by works of men
or the indulgences of Popes" (Luther).
- Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone).
He rejects the Roman
Catholic laws and papal bulls and indulgences and lifts the Bible (and
conscience) above all others. "Conscience" according to Luther refers
not to the natural, sinful human conscience, but to the "new man", the
new nature given to us by God at our salvation (Ephesians 4:24 NKJV).
Roman Catholic theologian: What
would happen if Scripture
were placed into the hands of ordinary men to interpret as they please,
without the guidance of the church?
Luther's answer: Why, we'd have
lots more Christians.
1511 — Luther becomes a professor at Wittenburg
University. He is now actively preaching against indulgences and relics.
- When asked "Would you take away these visible
supports to faith?",
Luther responds, "Are they symbols to support or simply crutches to
hold up a tottering faith?"
1517 — The just shall live by faith, not works. (Romans
1:16)
- When asked "If you take them away, what will you put
in its place?", Luther replies, "Christ! Man only needs Jesus Christ!"
Part 2: The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back > >
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A Study of the Reformation