The Righteousness of Faith According to Luther

by Hans J. Iwand

Hans Joachim Iwand's 1941 monograph, The Righteousness of Faith According to Luther, is an important contribution to contemporary appreciation of Luther's theological significance for today. Although Iwand wrote his study three decades after the beginning of the Luther Renaissance, it nevertheless developed some of the central insights of Luther scholarship during that period. Two concepts--in particular, promise and simultaneity--are crucial to an appreciative understanding of Luther's doctrine of justification. The language of promise presents justification to the believer as a reality that has yet to arrive or is hidden under present reality. And the language of simultaneity attests that humans remain throughout their lives one in the same, sinner and saint. This beautiful translation by Randi H. Lundell makes Iwand's down-to-earth presentation of the doctrine at the heart of Luther's theology, at long last, available to English-language readers.

Genres: Theology

116 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mmetevelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short discussion of Luther's theology which covers justification, law and gospel, and the role of the law in the Christian life. Iwand draws heavily on Luther's 1516 lectures on Romans for many of the quotes. Though this book is short it is incredibly rich with insight and is best read slowly. I plan on returning to this often in my pastoral work as this is not only a powerful apology for Lutheran theology on justification but a strong statement of its continual relevance.

[Philip Bartelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional summary of the essentials of Lutheran theology. Iwand is thoroughly rooted in the scriptures and Luther's writing and presents them in such a way that layman and theologians will benefit greatly.

[Adam Guthmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and pithy — only wish I had read sooner.

[Bob Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and very accessible explanation of Luther's views concerning the justice due God (faith), law and gospel, faith's relation to works, and the nature of righteousness. I was pleasently surprised to see such a positive view of works given Iwand's influence on the so-called radical Lutherans. The end notes alone are worth the price of the book. Highly recommend this one.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough stars to award this monograph. Iwand is the antidote to virtue Gospel and progressive sanctification talk. Highest recommendation!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good explanation of Luther's understanding of righteousness, my only complaint is that this book was too short.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I plan to read this once/quarter in 2015 ... It's THAT good and THAT necessary!