Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546) was a German Augustinian monk whose writings helped to sparked (with other reformers) a substantial reformation within Christendom. Martin is best known for his translation of the Bible from Greek and Latin into a standard version of the German language. He wrote small and large catechisms to be used in homes by the untrained for instruction in the Christian faith. He also wrote several hymns, applying Scripture to popular drinking songs of his day, that led to the development of congregational singing in Christianity. His marriage, on June 13, 1525, to Katharina von Bora, a former nun, also began the tradition of clerical marriage within several Christian traditions.
So, then, what is a Lutheran?
A Lutheran is a follower of the teachings of Martin Luther. At this point, a VERY IMPORTANT caveat needs to be stated: Lutherans are first and foremost followers of Jesus Christ, i.e., Lutherans are Christians, first! Only Jesus Christ can save -- not Luther.
Luther, however, in a time when the church had wandered away from its most precious tenants of faith (to be discussed briefly in the following), brought about correction and reform. These tenants are:
- Word Alone (Primary Authority; Law and Gospel)
- Grace Alone (Bondage of the Will; Hereditary Sin)
- Faith Alone (Justification by Faith)
- Sacraments (Simul iustus et peccator; Real Presence)
- Priesthood of All Believers (Freedom of the Christian)
- Worship Reform (Hymnody, Liturgy)
- Daily Prayer & Confession
All the know of God has been revealed to us through his prophets and apostles, who wrote the Bible. It is God's word and is therefore to be treasured, honored, and obeyed among his people. It is authoritative for faith, doctrine, and for how we live as God's people.
Luther introduced the principle: "Let Scripture interpret Scripture." When confronted with a question as to what a certain passage means, Luther, advocated that the inquirer search God's word for its meaning rather than rely upon the opinions of scholars and councils. The Holy Spirit is both the author and interpreter of Scripture for his people.
Although all Scripture is God-breathed, i.e., inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), not all Scripture is gospel, some is law. Law is that which God requires from us. It is the commands of God by which God expresses his good and perfect will of how his people should live as his children. The Law was given, however, not as a guide for living, since humanity since the fall (see Genesis 3) has lived with in perpetual inclination toward evil within their hearts. The Law, therefore serves as a curb against sinful desires using the threat of punishment to enforce proper behavior. Of course, though one may outwardly obey the dictates of the Law, this does not mean that one's heart is in full obedience. That is why Jesus said that these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me (Mark 7:6). The Law is powerless to change our sinful hearts; it can only force compliance under the treat of punishment. Therefore, the Law also serves to reveal the condition of our hearts: they are rebellious and willfully wicked beyond belief against the will of God.
The gospel is that which God has done for us. It is truly good news. It reveals our Savior, Jesus, who through his perfect obedience to God's will became the perfect atoning sacrifice that indeed takes away the sin of the world (1 John 2:2), and, through his resurrection from the dead has overcome the power of the Evil One and death (Romans 8). The gift of the Holy Spirit is God's transforming work within us so that we are spiritually made a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The gospel has the power to change and transform the human heart!
For this reason, the word of God is to be revered and studied diligently and memorized because it points us to Jesus Christ (John 5:39), our hope and salvation, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). His word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and will produce fruits of righteousness within our lives.
A Lutheran, then, loves and studies the Bible, God's world, diligently and prayerfully.
Grace Alone
Luther taught that the actual transgressions of God's commandments is sin, but so is the hereditary sickness by which the entire human race is corrupted. This, too, is sin (Luther called this "nature sin" or "person sin"). Even if a person were able to not think, speak, or do anything evil, they would still be sinful by nature, corrupted by the first fall of Adam and therefore under God's wrath and condemnation. This hereditary sin is revealed in Scripture (Romans 5:12-14 and Ephesians 2:3).
This hereditary sin is so great and horrible that, only for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, can it be covered and forgiven before God by grace through faith. Human nature can only be healed by the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), which is begun in this life and only brought to completion (Philippians 4:12-13) in the life to come.
We all by disposition and nature inherit from Adam a heart, feeling, and thought that are, according to their highest powers and light of reason, naturally inclined and disposed directly against God and his chief commandments (Matthew 22:36-40); they are hostile toward God, especially in divine and spiritual things (Romans 8:7); and, in respect to natural, outward things subject o reason, a person still has power, ability, and to a certain degree understanding -- although very much weakened.
In his explanation of the 3rd Article to the Apostle's Creed, Luther wrote:
"I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him, But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise up me and the all the dead and will give eternal life to me and to all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true."A Lutheran, then, is amazed by God gracious love that He would save us from "this body of death" (Romans 8:1) through Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord.
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