Main A Unique Vessel A Strong Stand A Reformer and Shepherd

V. SPREAD OF LUTHER'S VIEWS

A. Circulation of Writings

Luther’s writings circulated far and wide, spreading as far as France, England, and Italy. It became clear there was no hope now of reconciliation between Luther and Rome.

B. Throngs to Wittenberg

The more people heard what Luther stood for, the more they thronged to Wittenberg. Students came from all around to study under Luther. Delegations were sent even from Italy and Bohemia. One person who joined himself to Luther was Melancthon, who was to become a very close friend of Luther throughout the years of trial.

Luther also began to debate with some of those who had separated themselves from the Catholic Church. Zwingli, the Swiss reformer, was one who took exception to some of Luther’s views. It is unfortunate that Luther reacted to his opponents in nearly the same manner that the Catholic Church reacted to Luther. There seems to have been a lack of grace on Luther’s part toward his opponents, against whom he used such terms as fanatics, devils, knaves, heretics, rioters, and hypocrites.

C. Further Clarity of Views

His views became clearer and clearer. In 1520 Luther issued three pamphlets or manifestoes which are considered some of the most important documents of the Reformation. These were, “To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation,” “On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church,” and “Concerning Christian Liberty.” In this last work he made his famous declaration, “Sola fide,” i.e., by faith alone are we justified before God.

1. Eucharist

He took exception to the Catholic view of the so-called eucharist. However, it is hard to see much difference between his view, called consubstantiation, and the Catholic view, called transubstantiation. Instead of the bread and the wine miraculously being transformed into the body and blood of the Lord, Luther said that Christ’s body is in, with, and under the bread but not transformed into the bread. Luther also said that our fellowship is with Christ and with all the saints. Therefore the cup should not be withheld from the common Christian.

The Roman Church had seven sacraments or so-called means of grace whereas Luther felt there were only three: the Lord’s table, baptism, and penance. Penance, being words of promise, was later dropped leaving just the two basic sacraments.

2. Priesthood

Luther saw that according to the Bible, all Christians are priests as well as kings. Those who were called priests in the Catholic Church he now called ministers, and felt that they should not serve by papal appointment but by agreement of the people. If the people did not agree with them being there, they should leave. Also, there should be nothing forbidding them to marry.

3. Purgatory

More and more he cast doubt on the whole doctrine of purgatory as taught by the Catholic Church.

4. Good Works

Good works are desirable in any calling ordained of God, not merely in special Church orders and callings. Bishops, priests, monks, and nuns do not have a higher spiritual status than a so-called layman.

Luther’s view of how faith relates to good works is explained:

Faith came first,… then “good works” naturally followed. “From faith flow forth love and joy in the Lord,” he wrote, “and from love a cheerful, willing, free spirit, ready to serve our neighbor freely.… I will give myself as a Christ to my neighbor just as Christ offered Himself to me.” [7]

5. Baptism

Luther noted that baptism brings justification only when joined with faith. Faith and baptism go together.

6. Union with Christ

Luther wrote that by faith we were united with Christ through the Word.