On The Good Works

Luther and the German Reformation he spawned sent tremors first through Europe and then through the rest of the world. In the spiritual realm, the German Reformation spectacularly gave birth to the formation of Protestantism, a large and vocal strand of Christianity that has since evolved in many and fascinating ways.

Lutherans teach that salvation is a free, unearned gift from God, bestowed on humans if only they believe in Him. This was earth-shattering, radical news at a time, and for many it still is today! The Catholic establishment abhorred Luther’s teaching of salvation without any “good works”. If people do not work to earn salvation, so they assured, this would promote idleness and cause all kinds of societal ills.

Criticism grew quickly. In 1520 Luther responds: Good works are still done by believers. But these Good Works follow salvation and do not cause it. Good Works, Luther assured, are happily done by the already-rescued soul in gratitude – not to earn its salvation. The entire concept of “vocation”, of one’s profession, of one’s “job” as a calling from God, originates here.

Writing to be easily understood by the common man, Luther’s fresh and engaging style has lost nothing of its clarity and vigor: we “moderns” readily understand it. And his message is as relevant as ever.

See On The Good Works – Table of Contents

Read On The Good Works – Sample

PLEASE BUY DIRECTLY at a 30% discount from our publisher LuLu.com – Wholesaler’s will do the same thing – and take most of their profit from the author’s share. For example, on a $20 book sold through Amazon, this author gets $1.00 – precisely one dollar. Every additional dollar of price gets the author 40 cents – the rest is pocketed by others. Yes, not a typo, and grossly unfair. Even when GIVING YOU A DISCOUNT OF 30%, this author gets more than a measly $1 in royalty. Thank you for your consideration.

PS: LuLu.com also offers volume discounts when you order quantity for your group. Check it out at LuLu.com