The Freedom of a Christian: Crossway Short Classics

by Martin Luther, Christopher Kendrick (narrator), Carl R. Trueman

Martin Luther's Classic Work, Newly Translated by Robert Kolb

Originally published in 1520, The Freedom of a Christian is one of Martin Luther's most well-known and enduring treatises. In it, Luther examines Christian ethics and how justification by faith alone impacts the liberty of believers. He famously writes, "A Christian is a free lord of everything and subject to no one. A Christian is a willing servant of everything and subject to everyone." Luther also further develops ideas and doctrines that were key to the Reformation, such as the priesthood of all believers and union with Christ.

This addition to the Crossway Short Classics series features a new translation from the original German to English by renowned Reformation scholar Robert Kolb. The Freedom of a Christian reminds modern-day audiences that it is ultimately grace that transforms God's people and frees us to love and obey.

Helpful for those looking to learn more about Luther and the Christian life, both new Christians and seasoned saints alike Part of the Crossway Short Classics Introducing modern-day audiences to classic works of faith—other volumes include Fighting for Holiness; Heaven Is a World of Love; and The Emotional Life of Our Lord New Translated from the original German by world-renowned scholar Robert Kolb, author of Martin Confessor of the Faith. Foreword by Carl R. Author of the bestselling book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

Genres: Christian

Audible Audio

Published August 28, 2024

About the author

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer whose ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.

Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.

Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.

His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.

Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.

Reviews

[Jill Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luther for the win. He could’ve easily written the definitive “Christianity for Dummies” book, and in this book he links the Christian’s life of grace to the Christian’s life of service. It’s beautifully done, and is a warm cozy read for the spiritually anxious

[Andrew Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luther's concise treatment of the relationship between faith and works, what a Christian is, and the nature of the Christian life. Truly spectacular!

[Jack Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I roughly listened to this little book, I started again after a long period of time, but I’m grateful for it and would certainly recommend it. Not sure if I listened to the foreword or intro, but whatever. Luther’s way of writing and speaking from the small bits I’ve read or listened to seem to give off a freedom that is enjoyable.

I’m thankful for the work God has done in and through Dr. Luther in his works on justification (how we are made right with God) and law and gospel distinction. This is something that was desperately needed in his time, and in all times. The Christian is free in Christ, really free. Not just kind of free, not just half-way free, but really free. Free to love God and neighbor, not to earn a saving relationship with Him, but because it has been earned already for those in believe in Christ. God justifies freely by faith in His perfect, all-sufficient Son. From this, we can be happy and live for Him and our neighbor, not having a righteousness of our own before God, but Christ’s by faith alone.

While we may be tempted to think that things are different now, that Protestants “know already” the gospel of free grace in Christ for all who believe, legalism (Jesus + x,y,z) still creeps in and shades consciences today. Jesus + I prayed 10 minutes today doesn’t make the cut. It’s Jesus as our righteousness or nothing. “Did you read your Bible today?” “How long did you pray for yesterday?” “Did you vote for this candidate?” “Have you evangelized to anyone lately?” While those things are important, this book says to never, ever let anything be in the mix in your reasons for being able to enter heaven besides Jesus Christ alone.

Luther has much to say for today, but maybe chiefly it would be, in my humble opinion, “Rest in Christ alone, and you are free. From there you have everything in Christ, now go love God and neighbor in that freedom”. He would undoubtedly echo St. Paul in saying “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭

[Nathanael S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something exciting about reading these fundamental Protestant ideas straight from the guy who initiated Protestantism. And Luther has a special way of presenting these ideas with simplicity and power.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful treatise by Martin Luther reprinted for the modern audience. The book was a fantastic reminder of the contention for doctrines we often take for granted now days, but still must be reiterated. The same fallacies still permeate our society (salvation by works) even if they aren't as explicit as in Luther's day.

Luther outlines the clear doctrine of the outworking of faith, and what place works have in the Christian life (flowing out of a love of Christ and new heart, not begrudging obligation or a promise of self-reward. All rewards will be spilled at Christ's feet and we serve Him out of love).

[Heather Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It ought to be the primary goal of every Christian to put aside confidence in works and grow stronger in the belief that we are saved by faith alone.”

“Who can even begin to appreciate what this royal marriage means? Who can comprehend the riches of this glorious grace? Christ, the rich and divine bridegroom, marries this poor, wicked whore, redeems her from all of her evil, and adorns her with all of his goodness.”

“Not only are we the freest of kings but we are also priests forever. This is far better than being kings, for as priests we are worthy to appear before God, to pray for others, and to teach one another divine things.”

“Our faith in Christ does not free us from works but rather from the foolish view that works result in our justification.”

[Jean Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read Luther before. I have only heard what people say about him or of him. This was far more refreshing than I could have expected. He presents grace in such sweet and palatable words that you believe him because you realize he is speaking from experience. Certain lines sounded hyperbolic, but that’s where the fun lies! Definitely a must read for people interested in what the Reformers had to say themselves.

[Ethan Elkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rich and concise book. In Christ, we are truly free; yet in that very freedom, we are called to become servants of all. Luther offers a clear and compelling explanation of how good works flow from faith in Christ—not as a means of earning righteousness, but as the natural response of a justified believer.

[Enrique J Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Luther does a great job at working out the salvation of the inward man through faith and the outflow to the outward man through works.

"Good, upright works never produce a good upright person, but a good, upright person produces good, upright works" pg65

[Jessica Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Christ, we are bound to no one but a servant to all.

[Addison Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, easy read. Essay style - super thought provoking. I really enjoyed this book!

[Matt Daq · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little read on Luther’s thoughts on salvation vs good works.

[Steven Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every Christian should read this once a year. "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all"

[Joel Persell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost gave this a 5-star rating, but I hesitate to do so given the widespread misunderstandings regarding Luther’s theology of justification. Many Christians make the mistake of thinking good works do not matter whatsoever, but that is not the position Luther held, and it certainly is not biblical. Luther simply provides a specific way of thinking about the good works in relation to our salvation, and he does so by referencing the writings of Paul.

It is true that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, as Protestants love to proclaim, but it is equally true that “faith without works is dead,” as James reminds us. Good works are not the source of our salvation, but they are the fruit, the evidence, of our faith, which alone grants us access to the saving blood of Christ. Faith necessarily implies loyalty, so if our works bear witness against us, showing that we have a faith that is dead, we cannot expect to be saved in the day of judgment. This does not mean that we have to be perfect in this life, but we do have to show our loyalty to Christ, because that is part of what it means to have faith in Him. As Luther makes clear, He will forgive us of all our sins if we truly have faith in Him. His grace is sufficient, and it is precisely that amazing grace which should motivate us to show our gratitude by our works.