By Dr. Martin Luther. 1520
A Treatise on Good Works together with the Letter of Dedication.
By Dr. Martin Luther.
Martin Luther’s Treatise on Good Works:
Martin Luther, treatise on good works, salvation by faith, faith and works, Christian theology, righteousness through faith.
A Theological Exploration
Delve into Martin Luther’s perspective on the role of good works in the Christian faith through his treatise, a profound exploration that redefined the understanding of salvation and righteousness.
Rejection of Salvation by Works:
In his treatise on good works, Luther emphasized the rejection of the notion that salvation could be earned through good deeds alone. He challenged the prevailing belief that one’s actions could merit salvation, advocating instead for salvation through faith in Christ.
Faith as the Foundation:
Luther’s treatise underscores the foundational role of faith in the Christian life. He argued that genuine faith in God’s grace is the catalyst for good works, as opposed to viewing good works as a means to secure divine favor.
Critique of Legalism:
The treatise critically examines the dangers of legalism, cautioning against an overemphasis on outward actions divorced from genuine faith. Luther believed that a focus on external works without a transformed heart missed the true essence of Christianity.
START OF THE TREATISE.
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God’s commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew 19, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”And when the young man asks Him, Matthew 19, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him nothing else but the Ten Commandments. Accordingly, we must learn how to distinguish among good works from the Commandments of God, and not from the appearance, the magnitude, or the number of the works themselves, nor from the judgment of men or of human law or custom, as we see has been done and still is done, because we are blind and despise the divine Commandments.
II. The first and highest, the most precious of all good works is faith in Christ, as He says,John 6. When the Jews asked Him: “What shall we do that we may work the works of God?”He answered: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him Whom He hath sent.”When we hear or preach this word, we hasten over it and deem it a very little thing and easy to do, whereas we ought here to pause a long time and to ponder it well. For in this work all good works must be done and receive from it the inflow of their goodness, like a loan. This we must put bluntly, that men may understand it.
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