Having considered the development of Roman Catholic theology during the first fifteen centuries of Christianity, let us now turn our attention to one of the greatest shifts in theology, Reformational Theology, that emerged in the 16th century.
There are two main branches of Reformational Theology: Lutheranism and Calvinism. There were others, but these two were the dominant strains. And it may be surprising to some that though Lutherans and other reformed folk had much in common, there are also a few considerable differences.
While there are many important aspects of Reformational Theology, five of the most important tenets are defined by the five solas of the Reformation as follows: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Cristus, and Soli Deo Gloria. These are defined as: scripture is the sole authority, salvation is by grace alone, received through faith alone, in Christ alone, and all things are for the glory of God alone.
It is also essential to note the word, “only” is associated with each. This is what fundamentally sets Reformational Theology apart from Roman Catholic Theology. Roman Catholic Theology affirms the essential importance of each, but adds the Roman Church, the Pope, and the sacraments to each. It does not matter what one adds, when one adds anything to the five solas, one has departed from biblical Christianity.
Let’s consider first the Lutheran branch of Reformational Theology:
Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German Augustinian Monk. God revealed Himself to Luther, who did not want to break from the Roman Church, but when his newly understood theology was proven to be at odds with the Roman Church, Luther had no choice. Luther placed a great emphasis on the difference between law and gospel. He said that a chief mark of a theologian is the ability to distinguish the difference between law and gospel. Luther championed the biblical concept of justification by grace alone through faith alone. Another key Lutheran emphasis is the fact that a man may be a “justified sinner,” emphasizing man’s judicial standing as righteous before God, while not yet actually righteous in practice.
The Roman church insisted that man’s practice is everything. Luther and all true Protestants insist that God’s grace and decree of justification is everything.
Luther was also strong on the subject of predestination, arguing more for this doctrine even than Calvin. Luther believed in the authority of Scripture; however, he was not convinced that the book of James belonged in the canon because of what appeared to be an irreconcilable difference between James and Paul on the role of works in justification. Luther did not want to break completely from the Roman doctrine of transubstantiation, inventing the doctrine that has come to be called consubstantiation.[1]
Another doctrine peculiar to Lutheranism that must follow consubstantiation is that of the “communication of attributes of Christ.” This teaches that after the resurrection of Christ, His human nature took on the divine ability to be omnipresent. Unless this is true, Christ cannot be physically present in the communion elements in every place the Supper is observed.
Lutheran theology changed in the 30 years immediately following Luther’s death. Phillip Melanchthon (1497-1560), Luther’s chief assistant who was a humanistic theologian, along with others, drifted away from Luther’s theology in a number of areas. There are several important factors to bear in mind when discussing Lutheran Theology:
Lutheranism had a rather poorly developed ecclesiology that tends to look rather Roman Catholic. This was in part because Protestantism was in such turmoil as it discovered its identity apart from the Roman Church. Along with this, the Lutheran church followed much of the Roman pattern for worship. The Reformed Church sees the Lutheran Church as being only partially Reformed. While this may be a failing in Lutheran Theology, it is understandable as the Lutherans were in a learning process.
The Lutherans placed great emphasis on the importance and authority of Scripture. Luther’s commentaries on Scripture are classics.
Luther’s emphasis on justification by grace through faith is a priceless legacy given to the Church.
Luther’s theology was very experiential and practical. He was a pastor and he cared how theology was understood practically. This led to Luther’s emphasis on the fact that Christians are justified, yet still sinners until they are glorified.
Note:
[1] Transubstantiation: the communion elements change into the literal body and blood of Christ. Consubstantiation: the literal body and blood of Christ are with the communion elements, although they do not change in substance.
Next Time: Calvinism
