The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A lot of ink has been shed debating the nature and ability of man’s will as it relates to doing good, and for anyone who would discuss this topic with well-informed knowledge of what each position holds, Luther’s “De Servo Arbitrio” or “On Bondage of the Will” is an important voice in that conversation.
This seminal work of Luther’s was incredibly illuminating into the issue of so-called “free-will”. In it, Luther interacts with Erasmus‘ work: “On Free Will“. Erasmus, as a medieval humanist, contended for the goodness of mankind. Whereas, Luther aimed to show from Scripture that after the fall, mankind was incapacitated from willing good, as it was bound by sin. If man could will good, without special grace, this very basically means that man contributes to his own salvation; and Luther shows from scripture, how this conflicts with what Scripture teaches in numerous places that salvation is of God (cf. Eph. 2:8, Jas. 1:18, Col. 2:12).
I relied quite a bit on Luther’s “Bondage of the Will” for a recent essay I wrote. The reality is that this debate usually comes down to two basic opposing propositions. On the one hand we have man contributing to his own salvation, which is a kind of good work by which he is saved. On the other, we have salvation coming from God alone. Luther masterfully outlines how Scripture teaches the latter position.
There is much benefit (even for those who differ with Luther’s assertions) to reading this book, as it is foundational in this historic debate. This really was wonderful, and deeply affirming of the reformed position on free-will/predestination. It is compellingly argued, and deeply edifying, as believers are led to glory in Christ alone for their salvation. Well worth the read.
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