Luther Talks - Theological Breakthrough

 

Every time one turns around, there is another archway. An open passageway to a mystery. The door is there for anyone and everyone. You can journey through with intention, curiosity, or simply to keep on walking. I chose to investigate many of the open passages. Sometimes I was welcomed into a courtyards alive with art, unique architecture, and experienced a moment of delight and surprise. Other times I was disappointed because the opening looked inviting and promising only to find blank walls, empty space, or garbage containers.

Study time explored Martin Luther's theological breakthrough. There were two operable views of how humans were put put right with God: Via Antiqua and Via Moderna. Both systems relied on God giving grace--- meaning energy--- down to humans. The human then does the best they can with what they have been given working their way towards God. Each action on the human's part can advance them up the ladder or down the ladder. At each step God sends more energy that the human uses the best they can. The trouble was one never knew where they were on this ladder' how close they were making it to God and being fully righteous.

This picture is the backside of the Luther monument in the Wittenberg town square taken from the Lord Mayor's ceremonial office. It is a different perspective of Luther. Luther's theological breakthrough was completely different. Grace was no longer 'energy' to help people DO right. Grace was a gift that was given to humans, not so they tried to achieve being righteous like God, but a gift to be human. This passive righteousness allowed humans to be in relationship with God and with this gift - and all the gifts given - to serve fellow human beings. 

Humans received with grace the gift of faith. Faith defined as 'trust in the promises of God.'

Our group walked through the doors of the old city hall and were welcomed into what is now the ceremonial office of the Lord Mayor of Wittenberg. The surprise was a very large book. The mayor honoured us by inviting us to sign our names, along with the church we represent. We did nothing but follow the mayor at his invitation through the door. We were surprised by the welcome and that we all - without question -- were invited to write our names in the book. I wonder if this is how our names arrive in the 'Book of Life' at the end of our days? At God's invitation to us to write it there.