by Dr. Mark Larson, Professor of Systematic Theology

“In the year 1520, Luther published three reforming treatises. His first work
To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation rejected the claim that only the pope may interpret Scripture—every Christian has this right! In The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, Luther assaulted the sacramental system and rejected five of the Roman sacraments (confirmation, penance, extreme unction, ordination, and marriage). He accepted baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In his Treatise on Christian Liberty, Luther described the liberating effect of faith upon the Christian man. True faith frees him from spiritual slavery and moves him to a life of love and service to God and humanity.