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The Legacy of Luther
He was the most influential man of his day. The movement that began with his posting of the Ninety-five Theses reshaped Europe, redirected Christian history, and recovered the truth of Gods word. Five hundred years later, what is Luthers legacy? In this volume, R.C. Sproul, Stephen J. Nichols, and thirteen other scholars and pastors examine his life, teaching and enduring influence. Meet Martin Luther, the mercurial Reformer who, out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, set the world ablaze.
308 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2016
61 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
675 books1,976 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 6, 2017
With this year being the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, everyone should be reading something about Martin Luther, and this particular book is a good choice for either beginner or dyed-in-the-wool Lutheran. Everything from Luther's life, his teaching, his interactions with other reformers, and the legacy he left behind is addressed here.
This book is divided into three sections that are each addressed through a series of essays written by an impressive team of theologians. While it is interesting to read the writing of various scholars and appreciate the way their essays support one another, it also inevitably creates some repetitiveness. My favorite section was the first: Luther's Life, which is a brief biography of Luther including how his beliefs were formed and evolved throughout his life.
The writers do not attempt to turn Luther into something he was not, and his faults are part of who he was. God used this temperamental and at times judgmental man. 'Because of the magnitude of the disorders, God gave this age a violent physician.' Luther was not passive and conciliatory, but he was who was needed to put the Reformation in motion.
The second section of the book covers Luther's Thought. This is a highly spiritual discussion of the tenets of faith that may be less familiar to those who are approaching this as a scholarly rather than a devotional work. Scripture Alone does not sound like a controversial stance to take now, but Luther shook the world with it. Each chapter covers the main issues that were written about by Luther and how they impacted the 16th century.
Finally, Luther's Legacy, the third section of the book, looks at the various roles Luther filled and what his impact was long after his death. It is here where we learn that Luther not only translated the Bible into German, but he helped form the German language into its modern form when he did so. He not only wrote hymns that involved his congregation in spiritual music, he was inspiration for future musicians such as Bach.
To this day, Wittenberg and the entire country of Germany celebrate Luther for the sacrificial work he performed that continues to have an important effect on us all centuries later. If you have ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this book is a good place to start.
I received this book through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
This book is divided into three sections that are each addressed through a series of essays written by an impressive team of theologians. While it is interesting to read the writing of various scholars and appreciate the way their essays support one another, it also inevitably creates some repetitiveness. My favorite section was the first: Luther's Life, which is a brief biography of Luther including how his beliefs were formed and evolved throughout his life.
The writers do not attempt to turn Luther into something he was not, and his faults are part of who he was. God used this temperamental and at times judgmental man. 'Because of the magnitude of the disorders, God gave this age a violent physician.' Luther was not passive and conciliatory, but he was who was needed to put the Reformation in motion.
The second section of the book covers Luther's Thought. This is a highly spiritual discussion of the tenets of faith that may be less familiar to those who are approaching this as a scholarly rather than a devotional work. Scripture Alone does not sound like a controversial stance to take now, but Luther shook the world with it. Each chapter covers the main issues that were written about by Luther and how they impacted the 16th century.
Finally, Luther's Legacy, the third section of the book, looks at the various roles Luther filled and what his impact was long after his death. It is here where we learn that Luther not only translated the Bible into German, but he helped form the German language into its modern form when he did so. He not only wrote hymns that involved his congregation in spiritual music, he was inspiration for future musicians such as Bach.
To this day, Wittenberg and the entire country of Germany celebrate Luther for the sacrificial work he performed that continues to have an important effect on us all centuries later. If you have ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this book is a good place to start.
I received this book through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
October 7, 2023
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-Five Theses to the castle door in Wittenberg. One act of courage sparked a theological firestorm in Germany that set the world ablaze in a matter of days. Spreading like wildfire, thousands were introduced to the gospel, which is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
The Legacy of Luther celebrates the accomplishments of this godly man. Edited by R.C. Sproul and Stephen Nichols, the book surveys Luther’s life, thought, and ultimately his legacy. A wide range of pastors and theologians contribute to this volume; men like Steven J. Lawson, Michael Horton, Sinclair Ferguson, and Derek Thomas, to name a few.
The Legacy of Luther is a sweeping look at the German Reformer. The book contains basic information that will appeal to first-time students of Luther. But it is also filled with a wealth of information that will satisfy the most deeply entrenched Luther scholar.
The Legacy of Luther certainly honors a significant man who stands head and shoulders above most others in church history. But at the end of the day, the book does not exalt a man; the book exalts the gospel of grace and celebrates the accomplishments of our Savior. The neglected gospel truths that were recovered by the Reformers are proclaimed with passion in zeal in this important volume.
Readers may be interested in my recent work, Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther.
The Legacy of Luther celebrates the accomplishments of this godly man. Edited by R.C. Sproul and Stephen Nichols, the book surveys Luther’s life, thought, and ultimately his legacy. A wide range of pastors and theologians contribute to this volume; men like Steven J. Lawson, Michael Horton, Sinclair Ferguson, and Derek Thomas, to name a few.
The Legacy of Luther is a sweeping look at the German Reformer. The book contains basic information that will appeal to first-time students of Luther. But it is also filled with a wealth of information that will satisfy the most deeply entrenched Luther scholar.
The Legacy of Luther certainly honors a significant man who stands head and shoulders above most others in church history. But at the end of the day, the book does not exalt a man; the book exalts the gospel of grace and celebrates the accomplishments of our Savior. The neglected gospel truths that were recovered by the Reformers are proclaimed with passion in zeal in this important volume.
Readers may be interested in my recent work, Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther.
November 4, 2021
a totally non-intimidating look at the life, ministry, teachings, and legacy of martin luther! the essays also managed to address his shortcomings and struggles, which i appreciated. all well written and edited together nicely.
April 14, 2020
Amazing overview of Martin Luther. Includes his triumphs and his foibles. As with our biblical heroes we have to be careful on how high a pedestal we put them less they fall on us! Jesus is the only one that will always measure up.
May 4, 2022
1517 a volcano erupts.
His name Martin Luther. A man of many flaws, used by God to rediscover the gospel. A man who pointed out the issues of the church and who God used to take away the shackles of a works based religion. Thus leading to further sanctification of the Bride of Christ.
'I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my friends Philipp and Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that no prince or emperor ever inflicted such losses upon it. I did nothing; the Word did everything.'
His legacy lives on!
His name Martin Luther. A man of many flaws, used by God to rediscover the gospel. A man who pointed out the issues of the church and who God used to take away the shackles of a works based religion. Thus leading to further sanctification of the Bride of Christ.
'I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my friends Philipp and Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that no prince or emperor ever inflicted such losses upon it. I did nothing; the Word did everything.'
His legacy lives on!
October 30, 2024
507th Reformation Day is tomorrow! Non-intimidating biography of Martin Luther, and I truly enjoyed reading this book a lot this past few days! I urge Christians to read Martin Luther books/biography.
November 1, 2021
A really nice collection of articles on Luther. Michael Horton’s article on Scripture alone is superb!
March 21, 2025
The Legacy of Luther is a fantastic read for all fans of Luther, the Reformation, and Reformed Theology in general. Luther is a titan but almost always reduced to the 95 Theses . And that is a great disservice. However, what is a fantastic service is this collection. Of essays on particular facets of Luther. Written by notable preachers and scholars almost every chapter could be called “Luther and …” however for the audience, it was intended for most will already know some of the stories, but there may be quotes or insights that are often overlooked. Even still, it is a necessary addition.
January 19, 2017
It is impossible to talk about the Reformation without talking about Martin Luther. His Ninety-Five Theses jumpstarted this movement in the church that led back to the truth of justification.
This book is a collection of essays, written by some of today’s top Reformed theologians and pastors, on different aspects of Luther’s life and theology, including the legacy he left behind.
This is a must read for anyone interested in Luther, the Reformation, church history, or Christian theology. The organization allows for easy transition from topic to topic, and since each essay has a different author, each has its own style, keeping the narrative fresh and interesting.
Much more than a biography, The Legacy of Luther lays out the thoughts and teachings of Luther on the doctrine of justification. The reader will learn what Luther most wanted to teach: the authority of Scripture alone, and justification by faith alone.
The book also features a timeline of major events in Luther’s life, and appendix of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, footnotes for ease of reference, a list of resources for further reading, a Forward by John MacArthur, and a Scripture Index.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I’ve marked several pages that I want to revisit, and I’m sure I will return to this book again and again for inspiration and learning.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from Reformation Trust in return for an honest review. However, I must admit that I also ended up purchasing the book, and read my hardcover copy in instead of the pdf.
This book is a collection of essays, written by some of today’s top Reformed theologians and pastors, on different aspects of Luther’s life and theology, including the legacy he left behind.
This is a must read for anyone interested in Luther, the Reformation, church history, or Christian theology. The organization allows for easy transition from topic to topic, and since each essay has a different author, each has its own style, keeping the narrative fresh and interesting.
Much more than a biography, The Legacy of Luther lays out the thoughts and teachings of Luther on the doctrine of justification. The reader will learn what Luther most wanted to teach: the authority of Scripture alone, and justification by faith alone.
The book also features a timeline of major events in Luther’s life, and appendix of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, footnotes for ease of reference, a list of resources for further reading, a Forward by John MacArthur, and a Scripture Index.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I’ve marked several pages that I want to revisit, and I’m sure I will return to this book again and again for inspiration and learning.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from Reformation Trust in return for an honest review. However, I must admit that I also ended up purchasing the book, and read my hardcover copy in instead of the pdf.
January 23, 2018
2017 was the year of Martin Luther books and films. No surprise since 10/31/2017 was the 500th anniversary of him starting the Protestant Reformation. R.C. Sproul managed to get quite a team together to dive deep into his life. Splitting up chapters among different offers keeps the text from becoming another dry history book. I don't know if anything can display Bainton as the Luther briographer but this book deserve to be high on the list of biographies.
February 24, 2017
Great book. Not only does it talk about Martin Luther but also about many of the other reformers. I like how the book is organized. It isn't written by just one person but several and they reinforced what others had to say.
July 25, 2017
First sentence (from the foreword): Much of the discussion about Martin Luther these days seems to focus on his flaws rather than his faith, and that’s a pity. ~ John MacArthur
Premise/plot: The Legacy of Luther is edited by R.C. Sproul and Stephen J. Nichols. It has many contributors including: John MacArthur, David B. Calhoun, Joel R. Beeke, Steven J. Lawson, Stephen J. Nichols, Michael S. Horton, Guy Prentiss Waters, Sinclair B. Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey. Gene Edward Veith, Aaron Clay Denlinger, Scott M. Manetsch, Sean Michael Lucas, Terry Yount, Derek W.H. Thomas, and R.C. Sproul.
The book is divided into three sections: "Luther's Life," "Luther's Thought," and "Luther's Legacy."
My thoughts: If you're looking to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, this would be a good choice. I'm not sure it's my favorite new book on the subject of the Reformation, but it is solidly good.
The first part of the book is a biography of Martin Luther and gives readers context. The second part of the book focuses on the five solas of the Reformation: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, The Glory of God Alone. The third part focuses on Luther's legacy.
Premise/plot: The Legacy of Luther is edited by R.C. Sproul and Stephen J. Nichols. It has many contributors including: John MacArthur, David B. Calhoun, Joel R. Beeke, Steven J. Lawson, Stephen J. Nichols, Michael S. Horton, Guy Prentiss Waters, Sinclair B. Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey. Gene Edward Veith, Aaron Clay Denlinger, Scott M. Manetsch, Sean Michael Lucas, Terry Yount, Derek W.H. Thomas, and R.C. Sproul.
The book is divided into three sections: "Luther's Life," "Luther's Thought," and "Luther's Legacy."
My thoughts: If you're looking to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, this would be a good choice. I'm not sure it's my favorite new book on the subject of the Reformation, but it is solidly good.
The first part of the book is a biography of Martin Luther and gives readers context. The second part of the book focuses on the five solas of the Reformation: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, The Glory of God Alone. The third part focuses on Luther's legacy.
July 5, 2017
As we swiftly approach the five hundredth anniversary of what is marked as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, there has been no shortage of books on Martin Luther. Regardless of how knowledgeable one may be with the monk and his ninety-five theses, this book does a masterful job of detailing his life, dissecting his thought, and demonstrating his legacy.
Sproul and Nichols serve as editors as well as contributors to this excellent treatment of the impact that Martin Luther had in the world, as we know it. Although a different scholar wrote each of the fifteen chapters, they combined to produce a very readable and enjoyable book.
I especially profited by how Luther interacted with the Five Solas of the Reformation (part two of the book). If you are interested in what all the fuss is about as we approach this milestone in human and church history, I recommend this book.
Sproul and Nichols serve as editors as well as contributors to this excellent treatment of the impact that Martin Luther had in the world, as we know it. Although a different scholar wrote each of the fifteen chapters, they combined to produce a very readable and enjoyable book.
I especially profited by how Luther interacted with the Five Solas of the Reformation (part two of the book). If you are interested in what all the fuss is about as we approach this milestone in human and church history, I recommend this book.
October 27, 2017
A collaborative effort that is a really great read. The first three chapters particularly focus on Luther's biography while the rest of the book reflects on Luther's thought and theology.
The biography sections are, in my opinion the least interesting part of the book. In the section on the Diet of Worms, John Eck, the assistant of the archbishop of Trier, who handled the public interrogation of Luther at the Diet, is oddly conflated with the other John Eck, who debated Luther at Leipzig and later delivered the papal bull against him. Historically, they're indisputably two different people, but the book curiously suggests they're the same person.
The rest of the book ranges in value, but there are some great ones in there. None are bad, though, if you're even remotely interested in Luther's though.
The biography sections are, in my opinion the least interesting part of the book. In the section on the Diet of Worms, John Eck, the assistant of the archbishop of Trier, who handled the public interrogation of Luther at the Diet, is oddly conflated with the other John Eck, who debated Luther at Leipzig and later delivered the papal bull against him. Historically, they're indisputably two different people, but the book curiously suggests they're the same person.
The rest of the book ranges in value, but there are some great ones in there. None are bad, though, if you're even remotely interested in Luther's though.
December 4, 2019
I completed this book as an audiobook and found it challenging to follow. I suspect that had I read it, I would not have had this problem, it just is too academic for me to listen and comprehend well. That said, I did enjoy what I learned in it. It is a series of essays on various aspects of Luther, so there is some things that are repeated through the various chapters. I did particularly enjoy the context and discussion of Luther against the other reformers and events of his day. It strengthened my understanding of the protestant reformation and the theological differences of the various reformers. I found this book helpful as someone who has read some, and understands the basic history of the reformation but has not "dove deep' into it yet.
September 14, 2019
Not a bad take on Martin Luther for coming from primarily Reformed/Calvinist writers. With the exception of the excellent Dr. Gene Edward Veith, the contributors to this collection on Luther's life, work/thought, and lasting legacy come from the Reformed tradition, yet they rarely lean toward the annoying tendency of trying to claim Luther as a Calvinist (he most certainly wasn't) or to claim that modern-day Lutherans don't actually follow Luther, but rather Phillip Melanchthon (a canard if there ever was one). As a primer on one of the most important men in history, this is a solid popular-level volume.
July 5, 2020
Here is an interesting autobiography. My favourite after the autobiography of St. Augustine and JESUS. This is what I like about this book, the fact that Dr. Martin reminds us it is not he that taught us but rather that JESUS taught us using his mouth.
Th book also focuses on the beauty of the fat that sermons are way better than relics. Relics are simply "Pope's old junk". Way better it is for JESUS to speak to you daily than for our roving minds to go into relics which make no sense!!!
This book is beautiful and plus the 95 theses at the back for you to have an understanding of what it is that set of the Reformation.
Go ahead and grab it!!
Th book also focuses on the beauty of the fat that sermons are way better than relics. Relics are simply "Pope's old junk". Way better it is for JESUS to speak to you daily than for our roving minds to go into relics which make no sense!!!
This book is beautiful and plus the 95 theses at the back for you to have an understanding of what it is that set of the Reformation.
Go ahead and grab it!!
December 22, 2018
[R.C. Sproul, Editor] Ok class this week’s assignment is to write a short essay on the life of Luther.
*students turn in 14 essays*
*staples them together and publishes a book*
Agggh. I’m indebted to RC Sproul for his teaching. I love the man. But this truly reads as a collection of essays, making the material very repetitive.
Luther altered the course of world history. He is worth getting to know. I’m not sure this is the best source. Bainton’s biography is cited frequently in these essays, that’s a better bet to read.
*students turn in 14 essays*
*staples them together and publishes a book*
Agggh. I’m indebted to RC Sproul for his teaching. I love the man. But this truly reads as a collection of essays, making the material very repetitive.
Luther altered the course of world history. He is worth getting to know. I’m not sure this is the best source. Bainton’s biography is cited frequently in these essays, that’s a better bet to read.
September 25, 2018
This is a strong collection of scholarly essays celebrating Luther's thought and influence. All chapters but one avoid hagiography, and charity forbids further comment on the exception.
The penultimate chapter, "A New Song Begun: Luther and Music" by Terry Yount, is superb.
The penultimate chapter, "A New Song Begun: Luther and Music" by Terry Yount, is superb.
November 5, 2018
This is a two-in-one book. It begins with a very good biographical sketch of the life of Luther. Then it proceeds into a lengthy study of his theological contributions to Christianity. It is all very well written and informative for anyone interested in church or doctrinal history, Protestantism, Reformed Theology, etc.
September 12, 2019
Inevitably repetitive, since so many authors. Inevitably one-sided, since written and edited by current reformed luminaries. Still somewhat interesting to see a few different angles. I enjoyed the most the chapter on music, since that wasn't fully developed in other Luther biographies I've read before.
January 20, 2023
An excellent volume on Luther's legacy. You will find some reasonable biographical sketches on Luther, the impact of his thought and theology, as well as his relationship with other reformers. This is not hagiography, as it freely acknowledges Luther's many faults, but it is appreciative of the way God has used Luther in the history of the church.
January 13, 2025
[Nota mais precisa: 3,5/5].
Tenho algumas ressalvas principalmente no que tange a abordagem da teologia propriamente dita de Lutero e seu pensamento. Capítulos fracos sobre justificação e Escritura.
De resto, é um bom livro introdutório e uma singela homenagem a um dos maiores doutores da Igreja Cristã.
Que Lutero seja sempre exemplo de fé a Cristo e nos ilumine pelos séculos que virão.
Tenho algumas ressalvas principalmente no que tange a abordagem da teologia propriamente dita de Lutero e seu pensamento. Capítulos fracos sobre justificação e Escritura.
De resto, é um bom livro introdutório e uma singela homenagem a um dos maiores doutores da Igreja Cristã.
Que Lutero seja sempre exemplo de fé a Cristo e nos ilumine pelos séculos que virão.
August 31, 2017
I liked the content, but it didn't flow. It jumped around a lot. I found it difficult to read for a significant period of time. Just when I got into the subject of a chapter/paragraph a new topic was introduced.
March 21, 2017
Not exactly what I am looking for. This one is more spiritual than I would like.
March 16, 2018
Written by different authors. Some parts are just fantastic and some drag on a bit.
July 2, 2018
An excellent look at Luther’s life from the perspective of several different authors.
September 20, 2018
Insightful, challenging, and equally approachable in all parts. A joy to read from beginning to end, and leaves one hunger for seconds.
March 3, 2019
Very interesting.....lots of repeat information
January 10, 2020
Fantastic overview of a phenomenal hero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews