Bondage of the Will

The Bondage of the Will

By Martin Luther

One of the most important publications of the reformer Martin Luther, and of the Reformation itself.  This work is a response to a book on the "freedom of the will" written by Erasmus, De libero arbitrio.  Martin Luther thanks Erasmus that he has identified the issue that is of the greatest importance in the dispute between Roman Catholics and Bible-Believing Protestants: Free-will.  Luther here takes up the cause which would later be defended by many in the Reformed Churches, such as John Calvin, John Knox, and the Synod of Dort.  Luther does not avoid topics such as Predestination and Effectual Grace as they come to the forefront in his discussion with Erasmus.  If your opinion has been that Scripture Authority and Justification by Faith Alone are the only core doctrines defining for authentic Protestantism, this is a work from which you can learn much.  While the questions and topics often debated as matters of "Calvinism and Arminianism" are commonly ranked as "secondary matters" or non-fundamentals in our own time, Luther's dedication to Gospel truth here challenges that outlook.

And another bonus to reading this work is this --- Whereas many authors on these topics can tend to be scholastic and dry, Martin Luther is an author who will NEVER leave such an impression on anyone.  His style is always very human and personal.  He will either draw you forth to stand in the battle-field next to him, or call you home to sit next to him and review the discussion at his dinner table, but he will never bore your soul or waste your time!

Originally published in 1525.

Includes also: Martin Luther's Judgment of Erasmus of Rotterdam, 1522; and Martin Luther to Nicolas Armsdoff concerning Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Translated into English by Henry Cole.

Paperback, 419pp.