Luther’s Works, Volume 32

by Helmut T. Lehmann; Martin Luther; Hilton C. Oswald; Jaroslav Pelikan

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1958

Overview

Luther stands out as the defender of his understanding of the Christian faith in this volume. What he had said and written was attacked by leaders of the Roman Church and the Holy Roman Empire. Though friends and enemies sought to deflect him from his purpose, he remained steadfast so that what took place at the Diet of Worms has a become a watershed in the history of Christendom.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The Last Thesis: Every good work of the saints while pilgrims in this world is sin.^{32” (Volume 32, Page 159)}

“Therefore it is only the law which shows that these [virtues] are evil—not, to be sure, in themselves, for they are the gifts of God, but because of that deeply hidden root of sin which is the cause of men being pleased with, relying, and glorying in these things which are not felt to be evil. This is now and always the innermost evil of sin, for trust, pleasure, and glorying must be in God alone, as Jer. 9[:23] says: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches.’” (Volume 32, Page 226)

“What then, are we sinners? No, rather we are justified, but by grace. Righteousness is not situated in those qualitative forms, but in the mercy of God. In fact, if you remove mercy from the godly, they are sinners and really have sin, but it is not imputed to them because they believe and live under the reign of mercy, and because sin is condemned and continually put to death in them. This is a most glorious pardon which comes through baptism.” (Volume 32, Page 208)

“Now I have never insisted that anyone consider me modest or holy, but only that everyone recognize what the gospel is.” (Volume 32, Page 141)

“I have taught⁴⁵ that our good works are of such sort that they cannot bear the judgment of God, as is said in Ps. 101 [Ps. 143:2], ‘Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee.’ Since, however, His judgment is true and just, He does not condemn works which are wholly blameless. He wrongs no one, but as it is written, ‘He will render to every man according to his works’ [Rom. 2:6]. It follows, therefore, that our good works are not good unless His forgiving mercy reigns over us. Our good works are evil, if the judgment of Him who renders to every man threatens us. This is the way to teach the fear of God and hope in him.” (Volume 32, Page 172)

Product Details

• Title: Luther’s Works, Volume 32
• Authors: Helmut T. Lehmann, Martin Luther, Hilton C. Oswald, Jaroslav Pelikan
• Series: Luther’s Works
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 1958
• Logos Release Date: 2001
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc.--History; Lutheran Church; Theology › Early works to 1800
• Resource ID: LLS:42.110.132
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-10-21T20:12:05Z