Always Reforming: Reflections on Martin Luther and Biblical Studies

Luther challenges the academy to speak beyond itself.

Whatever the theological malady, Martin Luther prescribed the same remedy: the word of God. For Luther, the Word was central to the Christian life. As a lover, translator, and interpreter of Scripture, Luther believed the Bible was too important to be left to academics. God’s word has always been and must always be for God’s people. What, then, can biblical studies learn from Luther?

In Always Reforming, leading Lutheran, Reformed, and Baptist scholars explore Martin Luther as an interpreter of Scripture. The contributors elucidate central themes of Luther’s approach to Scripture, place him within contemporary dialogue, and suggest how he might reform biblical studies. By retrieving Luther’s voice for the conversations of today, the contributors embody a spirit that is always reforming.

208 pages.

Contents:

• Foreword by D. A. Carson
• Introduction
• “The Perspicuity of Scripture according to Martin Luther: The Early Development of His Doctrine, 1520-1521” by Gregg R. Allison
• “Contra Origen: Martin Luther on Allegorizing the Biblical Text” by Robert L. Plummer
• “Luther’s Tentatio as the Center of Paul’s Theology” by Channing L. Crisler
• “Martin Luther’s Pedagogical Exposition of the Letter to Titus” by Robert Kolb
• “God's Word, Baptism, and Regeneration” by Timo Laato
• “Luther on the Scriptures in Galatians—and Its Readers” by A. Andrew Das
• “Soundings on Simul Iustus et Peccator: Evidence in the Pauline Epistles for Our Continuing Struggle with Sin” by Thomas R. Schreiner
• “The Centrality of Romans in the Life & Theology of Martin Luther” by Benjamin L. Merkle
• “(Re)-Centering Righteousness in Christ: A Reflection on Luther’s ‘Two Kinds of Righteousness’” by Brian Vickers
• “In Trouble and in Good Heart” by Oswald Bayer

Always Reforming reveals Luther as a model pastoral exegete. Luther studied and preached Scripture before the Enlightenment sundered biblical exegesis from faith in and devotion to the God who inspired Scripture. Always Reforming helps us to imbibe from Luther’s example a Christocentric, theological, pastoral, while also historically sensitive, exegetical hermeneutic. These intriguing studies remind many of us today of our historical heritage and summon us to deeper biblical faithfulness. A breath of fresh air!

–Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

This helpful collection of essays delves into various aspects of Luther’s exegetical acumen, theological distinctives, and interpretive approach. A genuine contribution to discussions of Luther and his Bible.

–Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird, Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

Always Reforming will be readily accessible in the treasures of my personal library.

–Dale A. Meyer, President Emeritus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri