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Essential Luther - Lesson 5

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Luther's View of the Atonement

Luther presents his view of the atonement in the form and shape of the theology of the cross. In the cross and resurrection, God is bringing about something new. Christ did not come to give us a new law. Christ came into the closed circle of law and death by being born under the law, then dying and being raised from the dead to redeem those who were under the law. We get what Jesus has to offer by going through the cross ourselves, not just accepting theories about the cross.

Gordon Isaac
Gordon Isaac
Essential Luther
Lesson 5
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Luther's View of the Atonement

I. Different views on the atonement.
    A. Classic (dramatic) view of the atonement
    B. Anselm's view
    C. Abelard's view
II. Luther's view on the atonement
    A. Contrast with views of Scholastic theologians
    B. Controversy among scholars
    C. Luther's view of the atonement is conditioned by his theology of the cross
    D. The resurrection is of great importance to the significance of the cross.
    E. Luther's view of the atonement unified the three major views that were previously proposed.
 


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  • 1. Introduction

    The joy and promise of reading Luther. Luther has keen theological insights and expresses them using wit and lively word pictures. Luther's innovative thoughts are a result, not only of profound wrestling with theological ideas, but with Scripture itself. Luther uses polemic language, which was common in his time.

  • 2. Road to the Reformation

    Some of the historical milestones that took place in the life of Martin Luther.

  • 3. Luther's View of Theology

    Luther has an unusual presentation of the nature of the theological task and a unique way of going about it. When discussing sin, Luther says that our problem is not just a moral lapse, but it's our spiritual presumption that is our greatest and worst of sins. Theology for Luther is our being grasped by the Word of God, not just a speculative academic pursuit.

  • 4. Justification by Faith

    Justification by faith is the central, foundational doctrine of Christianity and is unique compared to other religions. It is the manner in which we continue to walk with the living God. To Luther, it is more than just a doctrine, it is a death and a resurrection joining us to the living Christ. 

  • 5. Luther's View of the Atonement

    Luther presents his view of the atonement in the form and shape of the theology of the cross. In the cross and resurrection, God is bringing about something new. Christ did not come to give us a new law. Christ came into the closed circle of law and death by being born under the law, then dying and being raised from the dead to redeem those who were under the law. We get what Jesus has to offer by going through the cross ourselves, not just accepting theories about the cross.

  • 6. Luther's Spirituality

    Luther's treatise on Christ's Passion was used by common people to focus their meditation on the significance of this period of Christ's ministry. Luther urges people to be sensitive to what the Spirit might speak to them as they pray through Scripture passages. Luther's writings are sprinkled with short dialogues that help us deal with everyday matters according to the gospel.

Martin Luther used wit and lively word pictures to communicate his keen theological insights. His innovative thoughts are a result of his wrestling with Scripture as well as thoughtfully considering current theological teachings.