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Beyond the Ninety-Five Theses: Martin Luther's Life, Thought, and Lasting Legacy
Does your knowledge of Martin Luther's writings start and end with the hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"?
As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation he galvanized, we discover a Martin Luther who was one of history's most colorful and influential figures. His story is well known, but his powerful writing is often unfamiliar to us.
This illustrated introductory guide to Luther's life, theology, and works introduces and summarizes his major writings, such as The Bondage of the Will and On the Councils and the Church , and includes, with annotations, the complete Ninety-Five Theses . Stephen Nichols also gives encouragement and guidance for studying Luther's ethical writings, "table talk," hymns, and sermons. Includes a select guide for further reading.
As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation he galvanized, we discover a Martin Luther who was one of history's most colorful and influential figures. His story is well known, but his powerful writing is often unfamiliar to us.
This illustrated introductory guide to Luther's life, theology, and works introduces and summarizes his major writings, such as The Bondage of the Will and On the Councils and the Church , and includes, with annotations, the complete Ninety-Five Theses . Stephen Nichols also gives encouragement and guidance for studying Luther's ethical writings, "table talk," hymns, and sermons. Includes a select guide for further reading.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Stephen J. Nichols
75 books98 followersStephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. Previously, he served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College. He is an editor (with Justin Taylor) of the Theologians on the Christian Life series and is the author of several books, including The Reformation, For Us and for Our Salvation, The Church History ABCs, and Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life.
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December 11, 2016
Beyond the Ninety-Five Theses contains two previously published Stephen J. Nichols titles; both published in 2002. I had not read Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought or Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses so this one was a very welcome addition for me!
The book has four parts. Part one focuses on the life of Martin Luther. Part two and three focus on Luther's theology and his legacy. In this section, Nichols walks readers through all of Luther's major works including the Three Treatises, Bondage of the Will, the Smaller Catechism, etc. Part four focuses on the 95 Theses. Nichols annotates these.
I definitely enjoyed reading this one. I am slowly but surely familiarizing myself with Luther and his work. (Earlier this month I finished The Three Treatises.) So I was definitely interested in the subject beforehand. I think this one serves as a good introduction overall.
From the preface:
This book offers a guided tour of Martin Luther’s life, writings, and thought. It is offered not in the hope that we merely enshrine Luther and his legacy but that in the hope that we too might find the same confidence in God, the Mighty Fortress; in God’s sure and certain Word; and in Christ and his finished work on the cross—alone. May we look back and be filled with gratitude for Luther’s life and legacy.
From the introduction:
This current lack of familiarity with Luther’s work is precisely the reason for this book. These ideas, however, are not mere relics of the past. To be sure, his thought inspired a whole generation in his own day. But, it also has the power to impact the church today and to ignite our own generation to a passionate quest for God and his truth.
From part one:
One thing on which scholars agree is that the world “Martin Luder” was born into on November 10, 1483, was quite different from the one he left on February 18, 1546. The decades of his life contained unprecedented change and upheaval, and Martin Luther was at the center of it all.
From part two:
Luther never wrote a systematic theology. His theology developed in the trenches, as it were, as he was thrust into conflicts and engaged in the controversies of his day.
“If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of those branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.” ~ Martin Luther
“There is nothing easier than sinning.” Martin Luther
From part three:
The Small Catechism is a masterpiece in being both comprehensive and concise. Timeless in its presentation, style, and content, the work ranks among classics of both devotional and theological literature. It consists of a brief exposition of the essential elements in understanding God, his Word, and his work in the world, as it contains brief teachings on the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the sacraments. Luther expanded the catechism in later editions to include instructions on prayer and what he referred to as “the table of duties.”
A definite pattern emerges from this catechism section that continues through the entire text. He cites the commandment, then asks simply, “What does this mean?” (“Was ist das?”). Admittedly, the repeating question lacks originality and variety. Whatever qualities may be lacking in the question, however, he supplies in the answer. Concerning the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods,” Luther asks his trademark question, “What does this mean?” and then follows by answering, “We should fear, love, and trust God above all things.” This tendency to pull a positive teaching from the negative command reverberates throughout his discussion of the Ten Commandments. In fact, he uses the first part of the answer to the question concerning the first commandment, “We should fear and love God,” to begin the rest of the answers. Luther is guarding those children (and us) from simply viewing the Ten Commandments as an external law code. He also keeps us from moralism by grounding the basis and motive for adhering to the Ten Commandments in nothing other than an expression of grateful obedience to God. According to Luther, one’s relationship to God grounds an obedient Christian life.
Consider his answer to the fifth commandment, “You shall not kill,” as representative of his treatment of the other commandments. Here Luther informs us that “we should love and fear God, and we should not endanger our neighbor’s life, nor cause him any harm, but help and befriend him in every necessity of life.”
The book has four parts. Part one focuses on the life of Martin Luther. Part two and three focus on Luther's theology and his legacy. In this section, Nichols walks readers through all of Luther's major works including the Three Treatises, Bondage of the Will, the Smaller Catechism, etc. Part four focuses on the 95 Theses. Nichols annotates these.
I definitely enjoyed reading this one. I am slowly but surely familiarizing myself with Luther and his work. (Earlier this month I finished The Three Treatises.) So I was definitely interested in the subject beforehand. I think this one serves as a good introduction overall.
From the preface:
This book offers a guided tour of Martin Luther’s life, writings, and thought. It is offered not in the hope that we merely enshrine Luther and his legacy but that in the hope that we too might find the same confidence in God, the Mighty Fortress; in God’s sure and certain Word; and in Christ and his finished work on the cross—alone. May we look back and be filled with gratitude for Luther’s life and legacy.
From the introduction:
This current lack of familiarity with Luther’s work is precisely the reason for this book. These ideas, however, are not mere relics of the past. To be sure, his thought inspired a whole generation in his own day. But, it also has the power to impact the church today and to ignite our own generation to a passionate quest for God and his truth.
From part one:
One thing on which scholars agree is that the world “Martin Luder” was born into on November 10, 1483, was quite different from the one he left on February 18, 1546. The decades of his life contained unprecedented change and upheaval, and Martin Luther was at the center of it all.
From part two:
Luther never wrote a systematic theology. His theology developed in the trenches, as it were, as he was thrust into conflicts and engaged in the controversies of his day.
“If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of those branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.” ~ Martin Luther
“There is nothing easier than sinning.” Martin Luther
From part three:
The Small Catechism is a masterpiece in being both comprehensive and concise. Timeless in its presentation, style, and content, the work ranks among classics of both devotional and theological literature. It consists of a brief exposition of the essential elements in understanding God, his Word, and his work in the world, as it contains brief teachings on the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the sacraments. Luther expanded the catechism in later editions to include instructions on prayer and what he referred to as “the table of duties.”
A definite pattern emerges from this catechism section that continues through the entire text. He cites the commandment, then asks simply, “What does this mean?” (“Was ist das?”). Admittedly, the repeating question lacks originality and variety. Whatever qualities may be lacking in the question, however, he supplies in the answer. Concerning the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods,” Luther asks his trademark question, “What does this mean?” and then follows by answering, “We should fear, love, and trust God above all things.” This tendency to pull a positive teaching from the negative command reverberates throughout his discussion of the Ten Commandments. In fact, he uses the first part of the answer to the question concerning the first commandment, “We should fear and love God,” to begin the rest of the answers. Luther is guarding those children (and us) from simply viewing the Ten Commandments as an external law code. He also keeps us from moralism by grounding the basis and motive for adhering to the Ten Commandments in nothing other than an expression of grateful obedience to God. According to Luther, one’s relationship to God grounds an obedient Christian life.
Consider his answer to the fifth commandment, “You shall not kill,” as representative of his treatment of the other commandments. Here Luther informs us that “we should love and fear God, and we should not endanger our neighbor’s life, nor cause him any harm, but help and befriend him in every necessity of life.”
March 16, 2017
This book contains a very wide range of subjects in a fairly compact format. It coverers not only Luther’s life and times, but also gives an overview of his theology, doctrines, and teaching styles. I liked how the author took the time to explain the doctrines and practices that Luther was refuting.
It was very pro-Luther. I’m fine with that. It was about him. A few times, it was a bit over the top, though. Even the crudity, vulgarity, and racism in his writings are either glossed over or an attempt is made to excuse them. It read more like a eulogy than a biography.
I would have to say I did find one thing very annoying. The constant talking about what you are going o to talk about.
I received this book for free from NetGalley and P&R Publishing. No review was required.
It was very pro-Luther. I’m fine with that. It was about him. A few times, it was a bit over the top, though. Even the crudity, vulgarity, and racism in his writings are either glossed over or an attempt is made to excuse them. It read more like a eulogy than a biography.
I would have to say I did find one thing very annoying. The constant talking about what you are going o to talk about.
I received this book for free from NetGalley and P&R Publishing. No review was required.
February 23, 2017
Beyond the Ninety-Five Theses
Martin Luther's Life, Thought, and Lasting Legacy
by Stephen J. Nichols
P & R Publishing
Christian
Pub Date 30 Nov 2016
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of the Ninety Five Theses through the publisher and Netgalley in exchange my honest review which is as follows:
In the years leading up until 1517 Luther's troubles increased. Martin Luther questioned the practices of the Catholic church during a time when doing so could be dangerous, even life threatening.
Martin Luther was born on November 10 1483 in Eisleben and died on February.18.1546. In 1492-1498 he attends school at Mansfield, Magdeburg and Eisenach.
In 1509 receives B.A in Bible.
In 1525 Martin Luther was married.
On May.05.1507 Martin Luther performs his first Mass at his ordination
In 1519 he writes The Blessed Sacrament Of the Holy and True Blood and Body of Christ.
Beyond the Ninety Five Theses is full of information on Martin Luther, and the reformation, as well as his personal life and his writing.
I give this book five out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
Martin Luther's Life, Thought, and Lasting Legacy
by Stephen J. Nichols
P & R Publishing
Christian
Pub Date 30 Nov 2016
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of the Ninety Five Theses through the publisher and Netgalley in exchange my honest review which is as follows:
In the years leading up until 1517 Luther's troubles increased. Martin Luther questioned the practices of the Catholic church during a time when doing so could be dangerous, even life threatening.
Martin Luther was born on November 10 1483 in Eisleben and died on February.18.1546. In 1492-1498 he attends school at Mansfield, Magdeburg and Eisenach.
In 1509 receives B.A in Bible.
In 1525 Martin Luther was married.
On May.05.1507 Martin Luther performs his first Mass at his ordination
In 1519 he writes The Blessed Sacrament Of the Holy and True Blood and Body of Christ.
Beyond the Ninety Five Theses is full of information on Martin Luther, and the reformation, as well as his personal life and his writing.
I give this book five out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
July 5, 2018
Lutero vai além das 95 teses
Muitas vezes pensamos no reformador Lutero como apenas um monge que escreveu 95 teses e as publicou e assim nasceu a reforma protestante. Contudo, Lutero vai muito mais além em sua teologia e obras. Nesse livro, Stephen Nichols apresenta um monge agostiniano, Martinho Lutero, que passava por uma crise de fé e tinha até raiva de Deus, pois não entendia a justificação pela fé, tanto que ao compreender o tema da justificação ele declara: "Atravessei os portões do paraíso". Lutero agora compreendia que a justiça requerida pelo Senhor provém do próprio Deus na pessoa e obra de Cristo. Por fim, o livro apresenta um Lutero esposo, pastor, pai e até mesmo músico, pois Martinho compôs praticamente 40 hinos, sendo um deles o famoso: Castelo Forte!. Recomendo muito a leitura desse livro, pois nos apresenta um Lutero que teve falhas, sucessos, mas um homem que marcou a era cristã.
Segue alguns trechos do livro:
"Depois de haver examinado cada um dos mandamentos, Lutero conclui a primeira parte do catecismo com uma declaração resumida que bem traduz essa conexão entre lei e graça: "Deus ameaça punir todos aqueles que transgridem esses mandamentos. Devemos, portanto, temer a sua ira e não desobedecer aos mandamentos. Por outro lado, ele promete graça e toda bênção àqueles que os guardam. Portanto, devemos amá-lo, confiar nele e, com alegria, fazer aquilo que ele mandou."
"Lutero revela a conexão entre ética cristã e doutrina. Quando Moisés apresenta os Dez Mandamentos em Êxodo 20, aponta, inicialmente, para o acontecimento do êxodo e a libertação de Israel da escravidão no Egito. Poderíamos interpretar isso no sentido de que, em virtude do que Deus fez por nós, devemos obediência a ele. Como Cristo nos redimiu, devemos viver por ele e servir a ele. A doutrina conduz à ética. Richard Gaffin, professor do Seminário Teológico de Westminster, expressa essa questão do seguinte modo: os imperativos se baseiam nos indicativos. Explica que os “imperativos” dos Dez Mandamentos ou os “imperativos” de se viver uma vida cristã baseiam-se nos “indicativos”, ou seja, o que Deus fez ao redimir Israel do Egito e o que ele faz ao nos redimir do pecado."
Muitas vezes pensamos no reformador Lutero como apenas um monge que escreveu 95 teses e as publicou e assim nasceu a reforma protestante. Contudo, Lutero vai muito mais além em sua teologia e obras. Nesse livro, Stephen Nichols apresenta um monge agostiniano, Martinho Lutero, que passava por uma crise de fé e tinha até raiva de Deus, pois não entendia a justificação pela fé, tanto que ao compreender o tema da justificação ele declara: "Atravessei os portões do paraíso". Lutero agora compreendia que a justiça requerida pelo Senhor provém do próprio Deus na pessoa e obra de Cristo. Por fim, o livro apresenta um Lutero esposo, pastor, pai e até mesmo músico, pois Martinho compôs praticamente 40 hinos, sendo um deles o famoso: Castelo Forte!. Recomendo muito a leitura desse livro, pois nos apresenta um Lutero que teve falhas, sucessos, mas um homem que marcou a era cristã.
Segue alguns trechos do livro:
"Depois de haver examinado cada um dos mandamentos, Lutero conclui a primeira parte do catecismo com uma declaração resumida que bem traduz essa conexão entre lei e graça: "Deus ameaça punir todos aqueles que transgridem esses mandamentos. Devemos, portanto, temer a sua ira e não desobedecer aos mandamentos. Por outro lado, ele promete graça e toda bênção àqueles que os guardam. Portanto, devemos amá-lo, confiar nele e, com alegria, fazer aquilo que ele mandou."
"Lutero revela a conexão entre ética cristã e doutrina. Quando Moisés apresenta os Dez Mandamentos em Êxodo 20, aponta, inicialmente, para o acontecimento do êxodo e a libertação de Israel da escravidão no Egito. Poderíamos interpretar isso no sentido de que, em virtude do que Deus fez por nós, devemos obediência a ele. Como Cristo nos redimiu, devemos viver por ele e servir a ele. A doutrina conduz à ética. Richard Gaffin, professor do Seminário Teológico de Westminster, expressa essa questão do seguinte modo: os imperativos se baseiam nos indicativos. Explica que os “imperativos” dos Dez Mandamentos ou os “imperativos” de se viver uma vida cristã baseiam-se nos “indicativos”, ou seja, o que Deus fez ao redimir Israel do Egito e o que ele faz ao nos redimir do pecado."
February 6, 2017
Do we look to God to understand humanity? Or, do we look to humanity to understand God? Luther tried looking to God. But the closer he looked, the more terrified he became. This started his journey and the Reformation.
The struggle of Martin Luther is our struggle too and it should be our struggle. A great historical text on what drove Martin Luther and the history of the church itself. As the catholic church was selling penance and salvation, Luther was driven for God to be found in suffering and the cross. That is where true theology lies. Anything else, leads to idolatry of self and the church was the bigger offender. The 95 theses laid out the gospel and the misdirection of the church. Luther taught it was the word alone, Christ alone. The sola scriptura. It became the authority question. We submit to the word, the word does not submit to us.
Luther's life as described in this text reveals his confidence in the scriptures and the work of the cross. It behooves us to understand church history to avoid making the same theological mistakes of the past. It keeps what is important and the one thing the one thing. With the 500 year birthday of the Reformation, we as Christians owe much to Martin Luther and paving the way for us to these spiritual truths. Spiritual truths that focus on the Gospel and not of a man-made kingdom. A legacy that is worth a study. High recommend.
A Special Thank You to P & R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The struggle of Martin Luther is our struggle too and it should be our struggle. A great historical text on what drove Martin Luther and the history of the church itself. As the catholic church was selling penance and salvation, Luther was driven for God to be found in suffering and the cross. That is where true theology lies. Anything else, leads to idolatry of self and the church was the bigger offender. The 95 theses laid out the gospel and the misdirection of the church. Luther taught it was the word alone, Christ alone. The sola scriptura. It became the authority question. We submit to the word, the word does not submit to us.
Luther's life as described in this text reveals his confidence in the scriptures and the work of the cross. It behooves us to understand church history to avoid making the same theological mistakes of the past. It keeps what is important and the one thing the one thing. With the 500 year birthday of the Reformation, we as Christians owe much to Martin Luther and paving the way for us to these spiritual truths. Spiritual truths that focus on the Gospel and not of a man-made kingdom. A legacy that is worth a study. High recommend.
A Special Thank You to P & R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 21, 2017
I know of no other author who can take a subject (or individual) so complex, and break it down in such a way that the everyday individual can understand it. Stephen Nichols is, by far, one of the most important teachers today in matters of reformed theology. In Beyond The 95 Theses, Nichols has presented a tremendous amount of detail on the importance of the life and works of Martin Luther in a style that is riveting and manages to reignite the reader's passion for the gospel. Nichols invites the reader to engage with some of Luther's hymns and writings, not the least of which are the theses Luther is most known for. Nichols provides an understandable guide through the 95 theses, and also helps the reader to understand some of Luther's theology.
As we embark on this, the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, let us Christians not forget those that came before us and paved the way for us to be able to engage with the Word of God in a way that changes lives forever for the Kingdom of God!
I received an electronic copy of this book free from P&R Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
As we embark on this, the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, let us Christians not forget those that came before us and paved the way for us to be able to engage with the Word of God in a way that changes lives forever for the Kingdom of God!
I received an electronic copy of this book free from P&R Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
February 9, 2017
Good reading - especially for those who are unfamiliar with Luther's legacy in preaching, teaching, pastoring and as a prolific author! Good resources recommended after each section. Recommended reading for all.
July 18, 2024
History and theology. I love it!
Nichols is becoming one my favorite authors because he is so readable, making complex ideas more easily understandable.
In this book, Nichols reviews Luther's life in two halfs, then he goes into the crux of his theology. Shocker: Luther read through the Bible twice a year. He was immersed in the Scriptures and he was a genius!
Quote: "Other reformers also considered the third use of the law, seeing it as a guide for Christians in the process of sanctification. Luther preferred to speak of the law as fulfilled in Christ and the gospel as the guide for living the Christian life. The law works against us; the gospel works within us ... 'law says, "do this", and it never is done". Grace says, "believe in this" and everything is done already. p81
Nichols includes summaries of three major works of Luther: 'Three Treatises', 'The Bondage of the Will', 'Confession Concerning Christ's Supper'.
He wrote 38 hymns, catechisms, hundreds of sermons.
Great book to come back to in a couple of years.
Nichols is becoming one my favorite authors because he is so readable, making complex ideas more easily understandable.
In this book, Nichols reviews Luther's life in two halfs, then he goes into the crux of his theology. Shocker: Luther read through the Bible twice a year. He was immersed in the Scriptures and he was a genius!
Quote: "Other reformers also considered the third use of the law, seeing it as a guide for Christians in the process of sanctification. Luther preferred to speak of the law as fulfilled in Christ and the gospel as the guide for living the Christian life. The law works against us; the gospel works within us ... 'law says, "do this", and it never is done". Grace says, "believe in this" and everything is done already. p81
Nichols includes summaries of three major works of Luther: 'Three Treatises', 'The Bondage of the Will', 'Confession Concerning Christ's Supper'.
He wrote 38 hymns, catechisms, hundreds of sermons.
Great book to come back to in a couple of years.
October 26, 2017
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, I really did. However, as one academic to another, I could not. Nichols, who I might add is one of my favorite authors, I nearly went to Westminster on account of him, makes the mistake (I hope a mere oversight) of not documenting his sources. There are no footnotes or endnotes at the end of the quotes. There is no way to verify, and as a fellow historian, I cannot use the quotes as primary sources. Aside from that, the book reads excellently, showing that there is more to Luther than the 95 Theses. It accomplishes its thesis beautifully and shows a preview of the full picture of Luther.
July 28, 2017
This is a very good introduction and overview of Luther's life and theology.
July 5, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very informative on Luther and his work and life.
August 12, 2024
Ótimo livro de iniciação a Lutero. Uma biografia e também uma breve iniciação ao seus pensamentos. Incluindo as 95 teses comentadas e indicações de leitura de obras do/sobre Lutero. Vale muito apena a leitura para qualquer um que queira saber mais sobre a vida e pensamentos do grande reformador luterano.
Vale ressaltar que tem partes interessantíssimas como o capitulo de Lutero e os hinos e também o retrato apresentado da vida pessoal e pastoral de Lutero. Alem de relatar o que levou Lutero a escrever seus catecismo, hoje contidos no livro de concórdia.
Um ótimo livro sobre a vida, pensamentos e legado do Dr. Martinho Lutero.
Vale ressaltar que tem partes interessantíssimas como o capitulo de Lutero e os hinos e também o retrato apresentado da vida pessoal e pastoral de Lutero. Alem de relatar o que levou Lutero a escrever seus catecismo, hoje contidos no livro de concórdia.
Um ótimo livro sobre a vida, pensamentos e legado do Dr. Martinho Lutero.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews