The Theology of Luther in Its Historical Development and Inner Harmony, Vol. I
Overview
This unique work is a biography of Martin Luther that traces his theology through the dramatic events of his life. Translated from its original nineteenth-century German, this volume analyzes the inner workings of his theology, finding an internal harmony between his beliefs and his practices.
Top Highlights
“He now understood the ‘righteousness of God’ in the passive sense, i. e., not as that by virtue of which God is righteous and condemns the ungodly, but as that with which God endows us, makes us righteous, justifies us—as a work wrought in us by God in his mercy.” (Page 72)
“It was therefore in the form of the obedience of faith, or subjection to the way of salvation graciously offered and commanded by God (comp. Rom. 1:5 and 10:3), that saving faith arose within him. In reality, just at this point was attained the complete and decisive subjection of the Ego, in whose profoundest depths, despite all supposed humility and despairing self-abasement, the pride which strives to attain a righteousness of its own had hitherto maintained its sway.” (Page 63)
“Melanchthon and Mathesius tell us of an aged brother in the monastery, through whom the Word of grace in this way first found deep and effectual lodgment in his heart. The name of the man has been forgotten; but in his blunt utterance we may see the starting-point of Luther’s evangelical life, of his testimony in behalf of the Gospel, and of his awakening to the work of the Reformation.” (Page 62)
“Thus, again, the fundamental experiences of Luther enable us to understand why he was afterwards so fond of representing the heart-felt, unconditional confidence in a merciful God, which presents the direct opposite of man’s own working, as the fulfilment of the First Commandment, and self-righteousness, upon the contrary, as a fundamental transgression of it.” (Page 63)
“With all this, the heart remained without faith and full of despair. Luther still heard, indeed, from the pulpit of a blotting out of sin and debt, accomplished by the Redeemer. But this was supposed to have reference only to original sin and to the grace of baptism, once bestowed but forfeited by subsequent transgression.” (Page 53)
- Title: The Theology of Luther in Its Historical Development and Inner Harmony, Vol. I
- Author: Julius Köstlin
- Series: The Theology of Luther in Its Historical Development and Inner Harmony
- Publisher: Lutheran Publication Society
- Print Publication Date: 1897
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546; Lutheran Church › Doctrines; Theology, doctrinal › History--16th century
- Resource ID: LLS:THEOLUTHER_01
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T06:18:42Z