Luther's Concept of the Word of God

Abstract

In this extensive theological study, Siegbert W. Becker explores Martin Luther’s understanding of the “Word of God,” contrasting it with modern and neo-orthodox interpretations. Becker argues that Luther consistently identified the Word of God with the Holy Scriptures, not merely as proclamation or divine action, but as actual spoken and written words from God. Luther viewed God as a speaking God, whose Word—whether preached or read—is intelligible, authoritative, and inseparable from Scripture. Becker refutes claims that Luther saw the Bible as the Word of God only in a derivative sense, showing that Luther upheld the Bible as the primary and normative form of God’s Word. The essay also addresses Luther’s rejection of Enthusiast views that sought spiritual revelation apart from Scripture. Becker concludes that for Luther, the preached Word derives its authority from the written Word, and that Scripture is the foundation of faith, doctrine, and the Church. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).