Luther recognized this book as his most important work and even said that if all his other books perished, he would hope that this one, along with his Small Catechism, would be the only ones to remain.
This is one of the most important books of the early Reformation, for it deals with what Luther saw to be the heart of the Gospel.
Luther here refutes the Romish notion of 'free will' in man and upholds the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners -- as well as justification by faith alone.
Luther clearly saw the issue of free will as the primary cause of his separation from Rome.
In this book he replied to the Roman Catholic scholar, Erasmus, and his diatribe The Freedom of the Will. Though disagreeing with just about everything else Erasmus wrote, Luther commended Erasmus for recognizing the crux of the matter at issue between Rome and the Bible believers, the debate over 'free will.'
In this regard Luther wrote,
that unlike all the rest, you alone have attacked the real issue, the essence of the matter in dispute (i.e. man's so-called free-will--RB)... You and you alone saw, what was the grand hinge upon which the whole turned, and therefore you attacked the vital part at once; for which, from my heart, I thank you.
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For additional information about Martin Luther, the Reformation, and Biblical salvation, please visit SWRB's home page at the 'Outside Web Link' below.
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“ Great Sermon! ” As a child I was raised in the cult of Rome. We were taught Luther, Calvin,and Tyndall were false teachers. They were burning in hell. This was because they left God's one true Catholic church. Now that I am able to hear and read their words. I see who the real false teachers were and still are. Thank You 4evr your Bro in Christ. SMC
Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk, theologian, and church reformer. He is also considered to be the founder of Protestantism. Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by emphasizing the Bible as the sole source of religious...
