Martin Luther (1483–1546) is one of the most important figures in Western history. He is one of the most important figures in world history but the probabilities are that most Christians, including those of us in the Reformation traditions, who trace our roots to Luther, have heard more about him than they have read about him. One reason for this might be that most Luther books are large and daunting. Not this one. In 2021 Ligonier published a little (approx 9×6) biography of Luther by the late R. C. Sproul. In 10 brief chapters (112 pages) Sproul introduces the reader to Luther, his world, his conversion to the Protestant cause, and to the chief issue of the Reformation: how is a sinner right with a holy God? One of the things I loved about R. C. is that he understood Luther. If you read this little book, you will start to understand Luther too. It is available from Ligonier for $9.60»
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- “‘Subtle Sacramentarian’ or Son? John Calvin’s Relationship to Martin Luther” Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 21.4 (2018): 35–60.
- Stop Blaming Your Problems On Luther
- Luther’s Open Letter On Translating The Bible
- The Ninety-Five Theses: Did Luther Nail Or Mail Them (Or Both)?
- Luther Challenges The (Ana)Baptist Interpretation Of Mark 16:16
- For Reformation Week 2020: Why Luther Was Right About “Alone” In His Translation Of Romans 3:28
- Luther Contra The Anabaptists: The Ground Of Baptism Is The Divine Command And Promise
- Luther On What Makes A Real Theologian
R. Scott Clark
R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.
More by R. Scott Clark ›
Thank you.
Blessings.
I think I once heard an opinion by Sproul that had Luther lived longer he would have moved closer to the Reformed views of the sacraments, thereby reducing or potentially eliminating most differences between Reformed and Lutheranis. I’m wondering if some of your studies lead to similar conclusions?
Hi John,
There were some real, probably irreconcilable differences on Christology and worship but they were closer (at least as far as Calvin was concerned) than most Lutheran and Reformed folk know today:
“‘Subtle Sacramentarian’ or Son? John Calvin’s Relationship to Martin Luther” Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 21.4 (2018): 35–60.
Thank you Dr. Clark. I’m Reformed but intrigued by Lutheranism. I have many relatives who are LCMS. Is there a source you can recommend that explains the differences you alluded to or, better yet, have you blogged or recorded a podcast on the subject?
Start here:
https://heidelblog.net/2012/12/resources-on-understanding-the-differences-between-the-lutheran-and-reformed-traditions/