As
we approach the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation
(October 31, 1517), Lutzer is concerned that the importance of that
historical event is lost to many Christians. The fundamental beliefs of the Reformers are often ignored and the doctrines considered
unimportant. “We forget,” Lutzer writes, “that the better we
understand yesterday, the better we will understand today.” (xiv)
Lutzer
has written a good introduction to the Reformation and its importance
to us today. He reviews Martin Luther's life and spiritual journey.
He looks previous attempts at reformation (Wycliffe, Hus), the state
of the church at the time, the conflict in doctrine, the heart issue
of sola Scriptura, the debates, the violence, etc. He has
included chapters on Zwingli, the Anabaptists, Calvin, and the
teachings of the Roman Catholic church today.
Included
is a good discussion on “free will” and Luther's view of the
bondage of the will. The unconverted do not have the freedom to
choose to believe the gospel. They can believe only if God exercises
special grace in that person's heart (God's sovereign grace). Lutzer
points out that this was an important distinction because the Roman
Catholic Church did hold that man was totally depraved - sick, yes,
but not dead in sin. Luther held that man was spiritually dead and
incapable of reaching out to God. “Thus, salvation is wholly of
God.” (114)
Even
though this is introductory in nature, I did appreciate the teaching
on some of the finer points of the Reformation. Luther and
Zwingli/Calvin had differing views on infant baptism. Lutzer has also
included a good review of the burning of Servetus, putting it in
perspective. He also covers the five points of Calvinism.
Lutzer
wants readers to be familiar with the Reformation and its elements. He
also wants readers to understand that we face a situation today
similar to the time of the Reformation. Luther opposed people who
said they heard from God but whose teachings did not go along with
the Bible. Lutzer says we must still rescue the gospel today from
fraudulent ministries, liberals, cults, etc. Sola Scripture
(Scripture alone) is still the issue.
I
recommend this introduction to the Reformation to those who are not
familiar with the historical event and its importance today.
Christians who have diligently studied church history and theological
issues may not find anything new here. Nonetheless, I found it a good
review as we come upon the 500th anniversary of the
Reformation.
My
rating: 4/5 stars
Erwin W. Lutzer has been the senior pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for
thirty-six years. He and his wife live in the Chicago area.
Baker
Books, 224 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
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