D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation of the 16th Century: Summary of Book 2, Chapter 8
The True and Living in Jesus Christ Filled Luther's Heart
It is important to remember that a true and living faith in Jesus Christ filled Luther's heart. This is the driving force behind his preaching, teaching, and life. "He who received Jesus Christ as a savior enjoys peace," said Luther.
Luther's preaching resonated with the call to receive justification by faith. In his Popular Declamations we have an example of his early sermons. Although the errors of his day are still present in them, they do contain the gospel. For example, he tells his hearers they are all idolaters. The may not worship on their knees before god's of wood or stone, but in their hearts they serve the creation. They need the free gift of faith in Christ so their hearts can be set free. Like, his preaching, Luther's classroom lectures also resonated with the good news of Christ.
In 1516 Luther published the work of an anonymous mystic titled, German Theology. Luther himself was not a mystic, but he published the book to demonstrate that the new teaching at Wittenberg was not an innovation. Others, such as the anonymous author, had spoken against the cold, dry theology of the schoolmen.
Luther's warm teaching on justification by faith and his sincere concern for the lost are apparent in many of his early letters. He writes to a brother monk (George Spenlein) and exhorts him to trust in Christ alone for righteousness and peace. Similarly, he writes and encouraged another monk (George Leiffer) reminding him to trust in Christ as he faces difficulty. Luther even attempts to communicate privately with the great Erasmus, hoping to correct his error and lead him to the true faith in Christ. As long as he was able, he did this privately so as not to embolden their common adversaries.
D'Aubigne, J.H. Merle. History of the Reformation of the 16th Century. Translated by H. White. London: Religious Tract Society, 1846.
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