Luther and the Reformation: How a Monk Discovered the Gospel

by R.C. Sproul

“Luther asserted that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is the article on which the church stands or falls, and that this issue touches the very core of the biblical teaching of salvation.” —R.C. Sproul ——— Today, Martin Luther is known as the man who stood against popes and emperors in defense of the gospel. What drove this lone German monk to defy the Roman Catholic Church? It wasn’t arrogance or ignorance. Luther knew what it meant to live in the darkness of unresolved guilt. Once he discovered that his acceptance before God is a gift received by faith alone in the merits of Christ alone, Luther was set free, and he would not rest until the light of this truth went out to the world. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul guides us through several crisis moments in the life of Martin Luther that led to his recovery of the gospel revealed in Scripture. Justification by faith alone was a liberating truth for Luther and the other Protestant Reformers, and it is good news for us to cherish today.

Genres: History, Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Church History, Historical, Faith

113 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2021

About the author

Dr. 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.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small 4x7, 100 pg book easily read in a day. Leads the reader through some milestones in Luther’s life and major historical events of the early Reformation. Helpfully highlights some differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants, including the understanding of justification by faith and works, or faith alone. In the last chapter he tackles apparent discrepancies between Paul (in Romans) and James on justification by faith with works.

[Abby Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect, wonderful, comprehensive, beautiful. I was brought to tears multiple times reading this. This Gospel is unmatched. I keep moving back and forth between “How can this be true?!?!?” and “How can this NOT be true?!!! Our only hope!!!”

Such important history here. This book is so short, so naturally there is a lot of Luther’s life and walk with God that it doesn’t cover, but nonetheless it holds extremely important history that every Christian should know.

Words cannot express how thankful I am. This book! God’s people! Why me??!! Lord, thank you for bestowing upon us your Holy Spirit so full of courage and wisdom. Make me a vessel of this truth!!

[Justin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, unfortunately the rumors are true... I did not read this book, but listened to it on audio. Actually went better than expected and I will continue with audiobooks for my commute, but a paperback remains superior any day of the week.
The book was a great exposition on Luther's life and the gradual revelations he was given by God. What an endless beauty is the Gospel that Luther proclaimed amidst persecution: justification by faith alone. This is the rock upon which the church is built and God is gracious to raise up men bold enough to preach and die for this good news.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Glad I read it. Great summary of the Reformation and Luther’s role.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook in an afternoon. Sproul gives a compelling account of Luther's life, his convictions, and the differences between Roman Catholicism and Reformed Theology.

The only thing that would have made this better, is if it was read by Sproul, himself.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short biography of Luther. Honestly, it’s more of a defense of justification by faith alone. It could easily be read in a couple of sittings. If you want a full biography of Luther, this is not the book for you.

It’s good for what it is.

[Sam Crosbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful accompaniment for my drive yesterday.

[Samantha Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to theological/historical audiobooks throughout the day is becoming my new favorite thing.

This one was really good and informative about the main parts of the reformation, specifically Luther’s role in it. I learned a lot!

I also loved the narrator. I’m usually struggle to pay attention to audiobooks because the readers are so monotone, but this one was really good!

[Roo Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

RC Sproul in Luther and the Reformation provided a concise yet thorough account of Martin Luther's testimony. He starts with what caused Luther to become a monk, and walks through each significant event that led up to his writing of the 95 Theses and ultimately the Diet of Worms.

I appreciated that Sproul took care to define theological and cultural terms having to do with the Roman Catholic Church to provide contextual background and further bolster Luther's story of discovering and defending the gospel.

This book was a great introductory biography of Martin Luther. It would also serve as a great introduction to learning about the Reformation; the historical and theological context, what the reformers believed, what exactly they were hoping to accomplish.

Finally and most crucially, Sproul takes the last three chapters to unpack how the Roman Catholic view on the doctrine of justification differs from the Protestant view on it, and why they are fundamentally incompatible. Only one of the views can be correct, and since this doctrine concerns the very matter of salvation itself, it is the article on which the church stands or falls.

[Amelia and John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any Protestant work on Luther tends towards polemics towards Roman Catholicism. This book was no exception.

As someone who has never learned about the story of Luther, this was a pretty cool read. It’s obvious that Sproul is passionate about Luther’s story and what it means for Western Protestantism.

The off-putting thing was that Sproul dedicated the last three chapters to comparing the Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrines of justification, where Roman Catholics view works and faith as necessary and sufficient conditions for salvation (I wonder if that is truly what Catholic doctrine is), and (Reformed) Protestants view faith as the only condition for salvation that eventually is followed by works.

But, a good read to learn about Luther from a person who is really passionate about Luther’s story.

[Cadi Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book on the life and legacy of Martin Luther. I hadn’t realized what exactly was being purchased at Wittenberg in the early 1500s that provoked Luther’s abhorrence. "A twig from Moses' burning bush" and "milk from the Virgin Mary" lol. The sale of indulgences to see these relics and gain spiritual benefits and Luther’s understanding of the book of Romans were the catalyst for Luther’s theses.

I loved the visual concept of: Catholicism: Faith + Works = Salvation; Protestantism: Faith = Salvation + Works.

I also really enjoyed the discussion in the last chapters regarding Paul’s Romans vs James perspective on justification. Excellent.

[Desiree Cehelnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a newbie to reformed theology and reformation history. I mean besides taking an AP European history class freshman year, I really didn’t know anything( and I never did the homework). And any information I knew prior to this was really what was taught to me from my old catholic high school. So basically “tempest in a tea pot” and rushing through every class when we’d have to learn about it. Anywho, so this was an incredibly helpful starting point to help grasp the key events, figures and concepts in the reformation. Easily understandable but not dreadful for those are more advanced. Delightful read and super helpful. Concise and informative.

[Kennedy Froebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of insane that Christopher Columbus and Martin Luther were alive at the same time - this will be an ongoing fun fact that I share from this point forward.
I like this book overall! Did drift off from Luther’s life to his theology in the last few chapters (I think that’s extremely important part of the 95 thesis and Luther’s life obviously) but was hoping for more of the affects of that on his life personally.. if you’re looking for a biography of him I’d look elsewhere. That is my only qualm.

[Colton Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief summary of the life of Luther and the major events that led up to the Reformation. While this is certainly written with a Protestant bias and not in any way an expansive, detailed historical account, it serves as a delightful introduction to Luther & some of the defining characteristics of Protestant theology. Sproul did a good job of not bogging the reader down in detail & writing in a narrative form that’s compelling enough to keep one engaged throughout.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short little book summarizing some of the major crises points in Luther's life that lead to his break with the Catholic church. The last few chapters contrast the Catholic church's teachings on justification by faith with the growing Protestant movement. Nothing new perse, but well articulated and an easy read.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about Martin Luther, a courageous man of strong convictions. It was also amazing how Sproul has an incredible ability to clarify complex concepts in everyday terms. It is a well-written and fascinating read. It would even be interesting on audible until about 2/3 through when it gets a bit complex. However, after those few more detailed pages, the rest is again easily understood.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book makes it sound like this is going to be a biography of Martin Luther, which for the first few chapters it is. But the book continues to outline the exact impact and relevance of the doctrine of Justification by Faith that Luther taught and expounded. Sproul was an excellent resource and scholar on this doctrine and there is a lot of fruit to pass around the table here.

[Sven Melling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to have a better understanding of what the Reformation was all about. The struggle of the 16th century to understand justification was quite intense. This book brings it quite clear, what justification by faith truly is. R.C. Sproul through this book also explains the differences between Arminianism, Antinomianism, and Calvinism, very well.

[Dan Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and fascinating look at the life of Martin Luther. The first 2/3 of the book deals with his life and journey… the last portion delves deeply into the theology of the reformation, and specifically justification. I found it challenging as well as engaging.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for anyone wanting a succinct summary on Luther’s life, but it was all review for me as the information is in many other books. The great part was how clearly he lays out the doctrines of justification and imputation. One cannot be reminded enough of these beautiful and biblical truths.

[Matias Garnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book focusing on the most important events of Luthers life.

Dr. Spoul accurately present the Roman Catholic view of justification, before he states and defends the protestant view. This section of the book was particularly helpful!

[Kirwan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little biographical examination of Luther, along with considering the ideas that brought about the Reformation. The focus is more on a popular level introduction to Reformation thought. Content is taken from the teaching series of the same name.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really helpful for me to better understand the issues the reformation addressed in the Catholic Church - primarily the difference between the Catholic view of justification and the protestant view.

[Garrison Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like a fun sized biography for October 31st. R.C. managed to pack a lot of great content into this little book. Not only did he tell the story of Luther but he also summarized much of Luther’s beliefs.

[Greg Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a middle aged man who has been in a Protestant church my entire life, I wish I would have read this 35 years ago. It is great for church history and for laying out the building blocks of our theology.

[KMReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that briefly teaches great details about the legacy and ministry of Luther. Finished this on two flights and was glued to it!

[Don Piccone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief focused discussion / explanation of Luther's gripes to his church about some of its practices .

[Asher Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read three or four of these little Sproul books or portions of Sproul books that have almost the exact same treatment of justification, but dang it, it's so helpful every time.

[Tanya Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book as an introduction to Luther and the Reformation. It is short and well worded.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very concise, but well written and informative book on the subject of Martin Luther and his reasons for the 95 thesis and subsequent views.