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Resources & Links > Bible Studies & Theology > Lutheran Theology & Beliefs

Lutheran Theology and Beliefs

A Study of the Reformation
Part One: Martin Luther's Struggles

outline from a three-part study by Pastor Mason Okubo

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 || Return to Bible Studies & Theology

Luther's Struggle with Guilt and God

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:

  1. That God loved him
  2. That he could love God enough

He thought that if he could inflict enough pain on himself he could become worthy.

Background on Luther's Struggle

  • Luther is part of the Augustinian order of monks (established in 1256), whose life is based upon the "Rule of St. Augustine"
  • St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354-430 AD), church father, opposed heresies, such as Pelagianism
  • Pelagianism was the belief that people have the ability to choose to be good to such a degree as to merit salvation without divine aid

Relics, Indulgences and True Salvation

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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 Two: The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back >>

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