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Martin Luther: In His Own Words
Most all Christians know the name Martin Luther. Less familiar, however, are his words. This compilation of many of Luther's most important writings serves as an excellent introduction to those new to Luther. It also provides a fresh medium for people familiar with his writing.
Included in this volume
The Small Catechism
95 Theses
On Faith and Coming to Christ
On Confession and the Lord's Supper
Of the Office of Preaching
Excerpt from Luther's Tower Experience
The Last Written Words of Luther
Included in this volume
The Small Catechism
95 Theses
On Faith and Coming to Christ
On Confession and the Lord's Supper
Of the Office of Preaching
Excerpt from Luther's Tower Experience
The Last Written Words of Luther
Audio MP3
First published January 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Martin Luther
5,130 books819 followersMartin 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 6, 2021
This book is a compilation of short works and sermons. I did enjoy different parts of it more than others, like the chapter about his clear understanding of salvation and the Ninety-five Theses. Unfortunately, though, the chapters don’t necessarily flow well together. The topics are just too disparate and the total lack of any introductory material leaves the reader completely unprepared for the changes. Some of the sermons seem to be addressing current events or false doctrines. It would have been very helpful if a little background info had been included.
Here are a few notes on the bits I found most interesting…
I find, rather to my chagrin, that this is the first time I’ve read Luther’s Ninety-five Theses. Compared to the religious and political upheaval that followed, they really seem rather benign, but then I’m a Protestant to whom they sound reasonable if not rather accommodating. In light of Luther’s later teachings, it seems that he came to view them that way as well.
Is there anything more amazing than the story of a soul saved from sin and freed into eternal life? Luther presents his journey so eloquently in two brief sections included here. Those chapters were really wonderful.
Obviously, as a Baptist, I differ with various points of his theology, but I am extremely grateful for the theological and political stand he took. It has lead to so many blessings for all of us.
Here are a few notes on the bits I found most interesting…
I find, rather to my chagrin, that this is the first time I’ve read Luther’s Ninety-five Theses. Compared to the religious and political upheaval that followed, they really seem rather benign, but then I’m a Protestant to whom they sound reasonable if not rather accommodating. In light of Luther’s later teachings, it seems that he came to view them that way as well.
Is there anything more amazing than the story of a soul saved from sin and freed into eternal life? Luther presents his journey so eloquently in two brief sections included here. Those chapters were really wonderful.
Obviously, as a Baptist, I differ with various points of his theology, but I am extremely grateful for the theological and political stand he took. It has lead to so many blessings for all of us.
May 1, 2019
Amazing. I’ve read many things about (or by) Martin Luther, but I think this one stands out as being different from the rest. It gives only what it says, Luther in his own words, so there isn’t any commentary or history; there is no chance of someone else’s perpective affecting the reading experience. Moreover, this anthology showcases some of Luther’s shorter pieces. It doesn’t try to give an in-depth look at Luther—it’s not a biography, after all—but it would be a fantastic introduction for someone interested in reading Luther and understanding his theology.
Some thoughts:
I liked the selections. It begins with his 95 Theses, and it ends with his last written words. I like that it contained some of his lesser-known sermons, and I was glad that the Small Catechism was also included. Luther once said that his opponents could burn all of his books except two, and the S.C. was one of those two. I was also glad for the excerpt on his tower experience. This was a beautiful account of a profound spiritual experience, and while I’ve read other books about Luther that mention his account, I had never had the pleasure of reading his narrative directly. All in all, it was a nice showcase of Luther’s writings at different stages of his life. The audio reader was wonderful, too.
Some thoughts:
I liked the selections. It begins with his 95 Theses, and it ends with his last written words. I like that it contained some of his lesser-known sermons, and I was glad that the Small Catechism was also included. Luther once said that his opponents could burn all of his books except two, and the S.C. was one of those two. I was also glad for the excerpt on his tower experience. This was a beautiful account of a profound spiritual experience, and while I’ve read other books about Luther that mention his account, I had never had the pleasure of reading his narrative directly. All in all, it was a nice showcase of Luther’s writings at different stages of his life. The audio reader was wonderful, too.
January 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I very nice compilation of some of Luther's writings. If you want a book to start down the road of learning more about Luther, this is a good place to start.
January 30, 2013
This work is a nice short sampling of some of Martin Luther's writings and sermons that gives the modern reader a look at one of the men behind possibly the most significant movement of the last 500 years.
May 25, 2017
Soundbite:
“I hear with my own ears that I cannot be saved except by the blood and death of Jesus Christ…I conclude, therefore, that it is up to Christ to overcome my sins and not up to the law or my own efforts. If He is the price of my redemption, if He was made sin for my justification, I do not care if a thousand scripture passages for the righteousness of works are quoted against the righteousness of faith. I have the Author and the Lord of the Scriptures on my side” (Jack Kilcrease & Erwin Lutzer, Martin Luther In His Own Words: Essential Writings of the Reformation, Baker Books, 2017, p. 42).
Review:
Martin Luther is such an important figure in the history of Western Christianity that it is no wonder there are numerous books about him. A new book has now been added to that literature. Martin Luther In His Own Words (Baker Books 2017) by Jack Kilcrease and Erwin Lutzer eds. provides a succinct collection of some of Luther’s thinking along with a summary of the place of those writings in the history of Catholicism and emergent Protestantism in Europe. Obviously, Kilcrease and Lutzer used editorial license to cull what they considered Luther’s main ideas. Luther was a prolific writer, but they focus theologically on Luther’s arguments with Catholic church doctrines and practices in his day. The book is divided according to the 5 main tenets of Luther’s theology: Sola Fide (only faith), Sola Gracia (only grace), Sola Scriptura (only the Word of God), Sola Christo (only Jesus), Sola Dei Gloria (all for the glory of God). It is these ideas which fueled the Protestant Reformation.
Choosing a limited number of texts from Luther’s writings, along with their timing in Luther’s debate within his Catholic commitment, helps the lay reader understand Luther’s contribution and make sense of that contribution in its historical context. The subtitle of the book, therefore, Essential Writings of the Reformation, is an accurate description of the book’s focus and message. The struggle for “right” doctrine, the role of Scripture, and Biblical ecclesiology has enveloped the Christian church since its inception in Christ. Kilcrease and Lutzer’s book sheds significant light on one key phase of that struggle in the 1500’s. 4 stars
M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 5/25/2017
Excerpts:
Sola Gracia
“Faith is a work of God in us which changes us and brings us to birth anew from God. (Compare Job 1). It kills the old Adam, makes us completely different people in heart, mind, senses, and all our powers and brings the Holy Spirit with it…Faith is a living, unshakable confidence in God’s grace” (Jack Kilcrease & Erwin Lutzer, Martin Luther In His Own Words: Essential Writings of the Reformation, Baker Books, 2017, p. 57).
Sola Christo
“Jesus Christ—Lord of life, righteousness, every blessing and salvation—has delivered us poor, lost men from the jaws of hell, has won us, made us free, and has brought us again into the favor and grace of the Father and has taken us as His own property under His shelter and protection that He may govern us by His righteousness, wisdom, power, life and blessedness. Let this be the sum of this article that the little word Lord signifies” (pp. 127-128).
“I hear with my own ears that I cannot be saved except by the blood and death of Jesus Christ…I conclude, therefore, that it is up to Christ to overcome my sins and not up to the law or my own efforts. If He is the price of my redemption, if He was made sin for my justification, I do not care if a thousand scripture passages for the righteousness of works are quoted against the righteousness of faith. I have the Author and the Lord of the Scriptures on my side” (Jack Kilcrease & Erwin Lutzer, Martin Luther In His Own Words: Essential Writings of the Reformation, Baker Books, 2017, p. 42).
Review:
Martin Luther is such an important figure in the history of Western Christianity that it is no wonder there are numerous books about him. A new book has now been added to that literature. Martin Luther In His Own Words (Baker Books 2017) by Jack Kilcrease and Erwin Lutzer eds. provides a succinct collection of some of Luther’s thinking along with a summary of the place of those writings in the history of Catholicism and emergent Protestantism in Europe. Obviously, Kilcrease and Lutzer used editorial license to cull what they considered Luther’s main ideas. Luther was a prolific writer, but they focus theologically on Luther’s arguments with Catholic church doctrines and practices in his day. The book is divided according to the 5 main tenets of Luther’s theology: Sola Fide (only faith), Sola Gracia (only grace), Sola Scriptura (only the Word of God), Sola Christo (only Jesus), Sola Dei Gloria (all for the glory of God). It is these ideas which fueled the Protestant Reformation.
Choosing a limited number of texts from Luther’s writings, along with their timing in Luther’s debate within his Catholic commitment, helps the lay reader understand Luther’s contribution and make sense of that contribution in its historical context. The subtitle of the book, therefore, Essential Writings of the Reformation, is an accurate description of the book’s focus and message. The struggle for “right” doctrine, the role of Scripture, and Biblical ecclesiology has enveloped the Christian church since its inception in Christ. Kilcrease and Lutzer’s book sheds significant light on one key phase of that struggle in the 1500’s. 4 stars
M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 5/25/2017
Excerpts:
Sola Gracia
“Faith is a work of God in us which changes us and brings us to birth anew from God. (Compare Job 1). It kills the old Adam, makes us completely different people in heart, mind, senses, and all our powers and brings the Holy Spirit with it…Faith is a living, unshakable confidence in God’s grace” (Jack Kilcrease & Erwin Lutzer, Martin Luther In His Own Words: Essential Writings of the Reformation, Baker Books, 2017, p. 57).
Sola Christo
“Jesus Christ—Lord of life, righteousness, every blessing and salvation—has delivered us poor, lost men from the jaws of hell, has won us, made us free, and has brought us again into the favor and grace of the Father and has taken us as His own property under His shelter and protection that He may govern us by His righteousness, wisdom, power, life and blessedness. Let this be the sum of this article that the little word Lord signifies” (pp. 127-128).
May 12, 2018
Published in 2009 by Christian Audio
Read by David Cochran Heath
Duration: 2 hours, 26 minutes
Unabridged
This collection of Martin Luther's writings has a great strength in that it lets Martin Luther speak for himself with no other author offering interpretations. However, this is also its weakness since some of these documents could have used a bit of explanation.
Considering that these texts are around 500 years old, most are surprisingly accessible. The editors chose to include the Ten Commandments section from Luther's Small Catechism that was easy to understand with no additional explanation necessary.
However, it would have been helpful to have some sort of introduction to the opening text - Luther's 95 Theses. I am both a lifelong Lutheran and a history teacher and even I found the straight through reading of all 95 theses to be more than a bit dry.
The most powerful text is a sermon on Confession and the Lord's Supper. Luther does a lot of build up that can be a bit much, but when he got to his point I found it to be quite powerful and relevant to my everyday life - even nearly 500 years after it was written.
http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2018/...
Read by David Cochran Heath
Duration: 2 hours, 26 minutes
Unabridged
This collection of Martin Luther's writings has a great strength in that it lets Martin Luther speak for himself with no other author offering interpretations. However, this is also its weakness since some of these documents could have used a bit of explanation.
Considering that these texts are around 500 years old, most are surprisingly accessible. The editors chose to include the Ten Commandments section from Luther's Small Catechism that was easy to understand with no additional explanation necessary.
However, it would have been helpful to have some sort of introduction to the opening text - Luther's 95 Theses. I am both a lifelong Lutheran and a history teacher and even I found the straight through reading of all 95 theses to be more than a bit dry.
The most powerful text is a sermon on Confession and the Lord's Supper. Luther does a lot of build up that can be a bit much, but when he got to his point I found it to be quite powerful and relevant to my everyday life - even nearly 500 years after it was written.
http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2018/...
January 2, 2026
I feel martin luthers writings remained true years after he was gone; for a work to be so universally understood so many years later is truly incredible. I think his writing is important regardless what religious belief you have. His calling to expose corruption in the church and to serve his community is admirable. He made such an important contribution to faith and the way we connect with God publishing the first widely printed version of the Bible so that it was no longer completely up to those in power how it was told. Reading his history beforehand made his writing that much more powerful.
October 20, 2017
A collection of some of Martin Luther's most famous works. A good introduction to his theology.
October 23, 2017
A concise introduction to Luther's writings and teaching.
February 7, 2023
Helpful to hear some of Luther's story and theology straight from his mouth (rather then from others). A good, short, introduction to Martin Luther.
October 30, 2012
A short collection of Luther's works, including the 95 Theses, Luther's Small Catechism, excerpts from Luther's 'Tower Experience', three sermons ('On Faith and Coming to Christ', 'On Confession and the Lord's Supper', and 'On the Office of Preaching'), and Luther's last written words.
I particularly appreciated the opportunity to ingest in full the 95 Theses, which I confess I had never read. (I know, I know. I'm a terrible Protestant.) They were surprisingly uncontroversial. Which I think I knew, but it was still interesting to hear them and to reflect on how such a mundane non-event morphed into the Reformation. I also really enjoyed Luther's sermon 'On the Office of Preaching', which essentially boiled down to 'once you stop preaching the gospel, you are no longer a preacher, no matter what the Pope says your job title is.'
The Catechism included some helpful recommendations to fathers trying to teach and explain the catechism to their kids. While the Catechism itself was fine, I was struck by Luther's assumption that responsibility for the spiritual instruction of the children would fall on the father rather than the mother or the parents generally. In America today, I suspect the bulk of spiritual instruction in Christian homes is performed by mothers (or grandmothers, or aunts) rather than fathers. It's unfortunate that so many fathers default to spiritual apathy rather than taking responsibility for teaching their kids about God and the gospel. Not that all men do this, of course--there are still lots of dads who are very involved with their kids' spiritual education--or that women have no role. But for many families, women assume sole responsibility for bringing their kids up in the Lord. Even among men who provide spiritual leadership in other respects, the practical instruction is often effected by women. It's definitely something to think about.
The collection exists only in audiobook form, released as a free download by ChristianAudio in honor of Reformation Day. It's less than three hours long, too, so if you're looking for an audiobook but fight shy of the day-long ones, this might be a good one to try.
The recording is narrated by David Cochran Heath, who appears to be one of the go-to narrators for Christian audiobooks--he's narrated works by John Piper, Matt Chandler, Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Alastair Begg, and R.C. Sproul, as well as Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Watson, and Thomas à Kempis. He is also responsible for the underwhelming recording of MacIntyre's The Hidden Life of Prayer, though the real issue there was the publisher's failure to employ a Scot (or at least a Brit) to do the narration. My experience with his reading of MacIntyre makes me a bit skeptical that I'd enjoy his reading of Watson, à Kempis, or even Edwards, since I tend to expect all 'old-timey' writers to sound British and can be distracted when they don't. (I'm not saying this is a reasonable expectation, but it's one I definitely have. all the same.) Then again, I wasn't terrible distracted by the rendering of Luther's works in a standard American accent, so maybe it would be ok. Or maybe they just used a more modern translation. Either way, Heath's narration was fine--neither a distraction from nor a beneficial contribution to the substance of the text.
If you're looking for something to get you in the mood for Reformation Day, or just want a shortish introduction to some of Luther's works, this is a decent place to start. Plus it's free (at least until the end of the month).
I particularly appreciated the opportunity to ingest in full the 95 Theses, which I confess I had never read. (I know, I know. I'm a terrible Protestant.) They were surprisingly uncontroversial. Which I think I knew, but it was still interesting to hear them and to reflect on how such a mundane non-event morphed into the Reformation. I also really enjoyed Luther's sermon 'On the Office of Preaching', which essentially boiled down to 'once you stop preaching the gospel, you are no longer a preacher, no matter what the Pope says your job title is.'
The Catechism included some helpful recommendations to fathers trying to teach and explain the catechism to their kids. While the Catechism itself was fine, I was struck by Luther's assumption that responsibility for the spiritual instruction of the children would fall on the father rather than the mother or the parents generally. In America today, I suspect the bulk of spiritual instruction in Christian homes is performed by mothers (or grandmothers, or aunts) rather than fathers. It's unfortunate that so many fathers default to spiritual apathy rather than taking responsibility for teaching their kids about God and the gospel. Not that all men do this, of course--there are still lots of dads who are very involved with their kids' spiritual education--or that women have no role. But for many families, women assume sole responsibility for bringing their kids up in the Lord. Even among men who provide spiritual leadership in other respects, the practical instruction is often effected by women. It's definitely something to think about.
The collection exists only in audiobook form, released as a free download by ChristianAudio in honor of Reformation Day. It's less than three hours long, too, so if you're looking for an audiobook but fight shy of the day-long ones, this might be a good one to try.
The recording is narrated by David Cochran Heath, who appears to be one of the go-to narrators for Christian audiobooks--he's narrated works by John Piper, Matt Chandler, Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Alastair Begg, and R.C. Sproul, as well as Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Watson, and Thomas à Kempis. He is also responsible for the underwhelming recording of MacIntyre's The Hidden Life of Prayer, though the real issue there was the publisher's failure to employ a Scot (or at least a Brit) to do the narration. My experience with his reading of MacIntyre makes me a bit skeptical that I'd enjoy his reading of Watson, à Kempis, or even Edwards, since I tend to expect all 'old-timey' writers to sound British and can be distracted when they don't. (I'm not saying this is a reasonable expectation, but it's one I definitely have. all the same.) Then again, I wasn't terrible distracted by the rendering of Luther's works in a standard American accent, so maybe it would be ok. Or maybe they just used a more modern translation. Either way, Heath's narration was fine--neither a distraction from nor a beneficial contribution to the substance of the text.
If you're looking for something to get you in the mood for Reformation Day, or just want a shortish introduction to some of Luther's works, this is a decent place to start. Plus it's free (at least until the end of the month).
June 25, 2016
Martin Luther: In His Own Words listened to on audio. Not only did this title cover one of my challenge categories but it also was another branch of my intellectual exploration of religion. I wanted to understand why/how the various Protestant sects came into being. I get taking issue with the layers of bureaucracy that had developed within the church. Also feeling that there was a lot of corruption especially around forgiveness, absolution and confession. People trying to buy it and encourage by the church to buy it. However, I do not understand why they needed to make a whole different section of Christianity. It also seems that Lutheranism is a kinder version of Protestantism (many sects seem really harsh and exclusive). I actually like a lot of what Luther had to say: believing the best in people, forgiving people their short comings, coming to God in love not fear.
November 1, 2011
I actually listened to the Audio Book version, as it was a FREE giveaway in celebration of Reformation Day by ChristianAudio.com. (http://christianaudio.com/review/prod...)
This is a very convienient way to listen to Luther's teachings. The reading was clear and easy to understand, and the wording was at the level of the common man. I think it would pay to listen to this over and over to gleen from it the fullness of what is being said.
Although I do not agree with all the doctrinal conclusions that Luther arrived at as presented in this work, it was still a great experience and a time of further learning and understanding from a man who broke with Church tradition at the risk of his life, in order that the truth of the Word of God be no longer suppressed.
This is a very convienient way to listen to Luther's teachings. The reading was clear and easy to understand, and the wording was at the level of the common man. I think it would pay to listen to this over and over to gleen from it the fullness of what is being said.
Although I do not agree with all the doctrinal conclusions that Luther arrived at as presented in this work, it was still a great experience and a time of further learning and understanding from a man who broke with Church tradition at the risk of his life, in order that the truth of the Word of God be no longer suppressed.
September 25, 2014
An important collection of Martin Luther's work that places Luther as a reformer within the Roman Catholic fold. This is important as many know him only as a reformer and the progenitor of the Lutheran church. Protestants reading this set of Luther's writings will be confronted with many unfamiliar details of the Roman Catholic Church and may find it hard going. However, a full reading will be of great benefit.
May 2, 2016
The main part of this book is the 95 Theses, followed by various letters Luther wrote to defend the theses. Also included is his Shorter Catechism, and a handful of his sermons. It was very enlightening to me, primarily to realize that the Theses weren't initially intended to start the Reformation, but to reform a specific practice in the Catholic Church. As with a lot of books that start off for me with the audio version, I found it very helpful to download a Kindle version as well.
November 13, 2010
Interesting to actually read the 95 thesis I've heard of only by number all these years.
Yet...Luther's writing style and the content are difficult to follow. I'm putting this book down early. Reading the printed book would be just as laborious, I'm guessing.
Would probably help if there was a more listen-able, younger voice talent reading the book.
Sorry, Luther.
Yet...Luther's writing style and the content are difficult to follow. I'm putting this book down early. Reading the printed book would be just as laborious, I'm guessing.
Would probably help if there was a more listen-able, younger voice talent reading the book.
Sorry, Luther.
January 7, 2016
A quick representative sample of Luther himself: his doctrine, his charisma, his wit, and his boldness in the evangelical truth that set his heart free. A great entry point for people who want to get their feet wet with Luther.
June 21, 2016
This is a great introduction to Martin Luther for me. I liked hearing the original texts (I listened to this as an audiobook). Some of the texts I liked better than others, but overall I found it worthwhile just to get a glimpse into history.
October 25, 2011
This book is filled with great insight and wisdom, but feels poorly translated and is difficult to follow.
November 4, 2012
4.5 stars. Boom.
September 12, 2016
Didn't pick up a ton from this but that could have been my own inattention.
September 11, 2012
This is definitely a work that I will reread.
January 2, 2018
Audiobook. This was a good sampler of Martin Luther's writings and sermons, including the 95 theses. A good intro to the famed reformer.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews