Core Like a Rock: Luther's Theological Center

Abstract

This essay reviews the central core of Luther’s confession of divine revelation. It is a review that includes both exegesis and systematic theology. The study lays the foundation for the central teaching of Scripture, the gospel and the justifying act of God, and then summarizes the impact of this teaching on faith and life.

“Luther shows an uncanny ability to separate information from noise, to glide past the ‘peripheral piffle’ that is distracting everybody else and get to the nub of the issue. The nub almost always turns out to be faith and a clear conscience, and this only makes sense. Faith and the resulting good conscience is the reason God sent his Son to die, the principle by which the Church exists and the believer lives,” wrote Cherney. “What promotes faith is the work of God. Whatever undermines it is of the devil.”