Convinced by Scripture: The Life of Martin Luther

by Andy Johnston

If we call ourselves Bible believing Christians today then we owe so much to the reformers of the 16th Century. But how much do we really know about the man who started the reformation? In this new biography of Martin Luther, written especially for the anniversary of the Reformation, Andy Johnston paints a picture of a young and pious Luther growing up in a dark and spiritually desolate Europe. He describes the chain of events that led up to Luther's dramatic decision to challenge the authority of the Pope and helps us to see how God used this very ordinary man to change the course of history. Today Europe is a similarly spiritually dark place, and the centrality of the Bible is challenged from inside the church as well as outside. There is no better time to learn from Luther's passion and commitment to truth. This biography is a great introduction to Luther's life that will challenge and inspire us to uphold biblical truth today.

Genres: Biography

112 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2017

Reviews

[Myra-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Luther was not the first person to divide Christendom on theological grounds. Europe had already been divided between East and West (Orthodox and Catholic) for over four hundred years before the Reformation. However, the Catholic-Protestant schism was bitter and deep and the scars are still evident today.

Yet, whilst unity is precious, it must not be preserved at the expense of primary truth. There are some secondary issues where we can agree to differ as Christians. But there are others, such as the authority of Scripture and salvation through grace alone by faith alone, which are non-negotiable.

'Did God actually say?' (Genesis 3:1) has been the oldest and most dangerous question ever asked of the human race. When Luther answered this with a resounding ‘Yes' and pointed to Scripture as opposed to Church tradition or ecclesiastical office, he re-established the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and doctrine. He rediscovered the power that God has vested in His Word.”

[Alun Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best introduction to Luther. It will whet your appetite for more. Clearly written using short well-shaped chapters. Johnston is such a good guide, he takes full account of the cultural and political backcloth to Luther's life without losing a strong narrative thrust. This book reveals in a wonderful way Luther's developing Theology and his courage. The writer doesn't make him an idol, he is a flawed man though one who stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries. We are invited to see him wrestle with conscience, we see his stunning intellectual prowess, his warm and compassionate nature alongside his grumpiness and anger. The 16th Century was perhaps the first"Modern" era, nobody with an interest in History, Culture or Belief should pass up on this short, but essential read. I agree with Bishop Wallace Benn, "This is a gem of a book, ..."

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From time to time I’m lucky enough to get sent books to review.

Today’s book is one that I was glad to review, and was looking forward to reading.

Andy Johnston has written a really readable, gripping and fast-paced biography of Luther, one of the key Reformers. Johnston has been careful to engage with the man and his writing – and does this by telling Luther’s story through Luther’s own words, as Luther grows older.

https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Tim Suffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little intro to the life of Luther, covers the bases simply, quickly and clearly. I was also pleased to see a few brief comments on his continuing impact, and no attempt to whitewash the aspects of his life and character which are less explicable to a modern eye.

Disclaimer: I know the author.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Excellent summary of the life of Martin Luther. Well written and inspiring.

[Graham Heslop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but solid. This brief work excellently provides the backdrop to the Reformation in Europe and delightfully regales the reader with Luther's life, theological story, character, and legacy.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvellous book which tells the story of Martin Luther and his part in the Reformation simply and in a very organised but readable form. It also sticks to the point that just as Luther was Convinced by Scripture, so should we and just as Luther used scripture to convince, so should we. Andy Johnston has done an admirable job of telling this biography in such a way that scripture is the central character.