About thirty years ago, I studied for the Lutheran ministry. Towards the end of my studies, in 1983, I discovered what I believe to be significant differences between the teachings of Luther and Paul. These differences are briefly summarized below: |
Luther teaches that Christians, insofar as they are flesh or old Adam, remain under the law. |
Paul teaches that Christians are entirely under grace. |
Luther teaches that apostolic parenesis, that is the exhortations addressed to Christians to lead a God pleasing life, is law. | Paul teaches that apostolic parenesis is grace, and therefore a part of the gospel. |
Luther teaches that the sins of the world are either on the crucified Christ or on the world. |
Paul teaches that the sins of world are at the same time on the crucified Christ and on the world. |
With a departure from biblical truth unfortunately comes a twisted perception and presentation of reality. The extent of the damage, as I see it, is a twisted image of God, a twisted understanding of the law, a twisted understanding of the gospel, and, last but not least, a twisted self-image of Christians.I am convinced that with justification by grace through faith, Luther has rediscovered an essential part of the gospel of Christ. With no ill will on his part, and only the best of intentions, he has set this pearl of great price into a law-gospel distinction that is not in accordance with Scripture.I would like to dedicate this website to a careful examination of those differences, and to a rediscovery of the gospel of Christ as it has been preached by Jesus and the apostles.
Christian |