This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Standing at the center of it all was Martin Luther, the Catholic monk who wanted to bring reform the the Roman Church. As it turned out, God's plans for Luther were much greater.
Through Luther, the Bible was unchained and translated so that the common man and woman could read God's Word for themselves. Through Luther the great doctrine of the church - Justification by Grace through Faith - brought God's love, forgiveness and salvation to a people enslaved by the notion that God's favor had to be earned rather than received as a gift. Through Luther, catechisms which taught the meaning of the 10 Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Supper, The Office of the Keys, and The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper could be learned, enabling people to grow in faith and in their new life in Christ Jesus.
The biographies written about Luther number in the thousands. The question for those who want to know more about Luther is this: "Where to start?"
Jack D. Kilcrease and Erwin W. Lutzer have complied a book that will introduce you to Martin Luther.
"Martin Luther In His Own Words" offers key writings from Luther that will give you an idea of the condition of the church and how the reformer sought to bring God's Law and Gospel to his readers. In this small volume you'll find Luther holding forth on the three articles of the Creed; writings referencing the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians; a short snippet from his classic, "The Bondage of the Will," and more.
Admire the hope that Luther offers when he writes: "The Holy Spirit assures us that we are God's children no matter how furiously sin may rage within us, so long as we follow the Spirit and struggle against sin in order to kill it." (page 65)
Whether you are a Luther scholar or simply want to know about the reformer, this is a volume that should be on your bookshelf.
