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Treatise Concerning Christian Liberty

Dr. Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a leader of the Protestant Reformation and namesake of the Lutheran Tradition. He was born in Eisleben and was well-educated before entering the University of Erfurt. It was there that, rather than pursue an advanced law degree, Luther became an Augustinian monk. Between 1505 and 1512 he studied and lectured in theology, punctuated by achievement of his Doctorate at Wittenberg. By 1517 Luther was realizing in full the doctrine of justification by faith, as declared by the apostle Paul and Augustine. His publication of 95 theses against indulgences sparked protest throughout Germany, forcing Luther to defend his theology in disputations at Heidelberg and Leipzig. His treatises of 1520 brought him into greater conflict with the papacy, and he was excommunicated. After the Diet of Worms in 1521, he continued to define and uphold his theology, seeking to reform the Church, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and the Pauline doctrine of justification.

One of three important treatises of 1520, along with Luther’s letter to Pope Leo X.

One of three important treatises written in 1520 (Address To the Nobility of the German Nation, and The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, being the others), following the publication of his 95 Theses, (1517) and the Heidelberg and Leipzig disputations (1518-19). The rift between Luther and the Established Church had become great - he was called to answer charges of heresy, and meetings with two papal representatives took place in 1518-19. One of these men, Karl von Miltitz, encouraged Luther to write a conciliatory letter to the Pope (Leo X), and in the fall of 1520 Luther agreed.

    In addition to the letter, a devotional pamphlet was attached - this treatise on Christian freedom, which states concisely the evangelical teaching of justification by faith alone. In the letter, Luther addresses the Pope respectfully, but as an equal, unapologetic for his doctrinal views. Luther was already in the process of being excommunicated, the Bull going into effect in 1521.

Church History

Reformation