Justification by faith in Luther’s thought and today: an introduction

Abstract

As the fifth centenary of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century approaches, it reminds us of the person and work of Martin Luther. Perhaps the main aspect of the reforming program of Luther has been his comprehension of the doctrine of justification by faith, understood as the foundation of the theology of the Reformation. However, since the end of the late 20th century this doctrine has been reframed, due the work of Biblical scholars, such as James Dunn and N. Thomas Wright, who identify themselves with the so called “New Perspective on Paul” (NPP). This essay intends to show, succinctly, the general contours of Luther’s understanding of the subject, as well as the reaction of the Council of Trent of 1545, the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification of 1999 and the recent debate on the NPP. In summary, regardless of any consideration of the merits the NPP, the text shall show the relevance of Luther’s thought for today.