The Pre-Reformers, Martin Luther and the Beginning of the Reformation

Martin Luther was born in 1483, the son of a miner who, through hard work, became part owner of six copper mines and, in time, became fairly wealthy. His parents sought a good education for their bright son; he earned the equivalent of Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the university at Erfurt (the latter in 1505 at age 22; he was second in a class of seventeen). His father persuaded him to enter law school, which he did with misgivings.

Happily Ever After

"Once upon a time in Germany, so long ago that even a grandfather cannot remember, a young farmer named Hans, set out to make his fortune. The laws of his land were strange — they allowed the youngest son to inherit a father's property, not the oldest. Hans was the oldest and, though he loved the land, he left his father's farm and set out to seek his fortune in the nearby copper and slate mines." This article narrates the story of Martin Luther's parents and how Martin eventually rediscovered the true gospel.

The Convictions of Martin Luther

It was 486 years ago that Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door of Wittenberg. Initially, he performed this work as an academic exercise — although he was convinced of the truth of his assertions. Apparently, it was customary for the University of Wittenberg to participate in ecclesiastical festivities on the Eve of All Saints Day. Usually, this was in the form of a public disputation on a scientific subject. In 1517 it was Luther's turn to lead the disputation and he used this opportunity to protest the sale of indulgences by the church.

Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses and the Beginning of the Reformation

The 95 Theses of Luther was an important event in the reformation of the church. What were the causes for Luther to write this? Other things discussed in the article are the indulgences, the gospel and good works, and the consequences of the theses (Heidelberg disputation 1518, hearing at Augsburg 1518 and Diet of Worms 1521).

The Just Shall Live By Faith: The Conversion of Martin Luther

There is no denying that the turning point in Martin Luther's life was his conversion. In this article, the author shows how God in His providence worked in the life of Luther by revealing the darkness in him and bringing him to His light. God then led Luther to write the ninety-five theses and promote the reformation of the church.

Martin Luther and the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone

Martin Luther confessed that the justice of God is that righteousness by which, through grace and sheer mercy, God justifies us through faith. This was the discovery by Luther of justification by faith alone. This article explains how Luther came to this discovery by looking at his life and the battle with the Roman Catholic Church.

Christian Apologetics Past and Present – Martin Luther

The purpose of this volume is to provide primary sources from important authors with an apologetic concern. Chapter 1 provides an excerpt from Martin Luther, Concerning Christian Liberty (or On Christian Freedom), written in 1520. This work extols one of Luther’s central theological themes: justification by grace through faith. The excerpt is preceded by an introduction to the historical and theological context in which the work of Luther appeared.