In this live episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb, Scott, Steve, and Adam discuss why Martin Luther’s The Bondage of the Will is one of the most important yet most overlooked works of the Reformation.

What led Martin Luther to write The Bondage of the Will? This podcast explores the historical background and central message of one of Luther’s most significant works.

In this episode, we begin our series commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s treatise, de Servo Arbitrio — The Bondage of the Will. We begin by reading Dr. Steven Paulson’s theological analysis of what’s at stake in Luther’s treatise, as well as its sharp-edged consequences for churches today. As it was received then, so it is now by dedicated students of this work: it cleaves those who seek Jesus plus philosophy, ideology, or personal interests from those who insist on Christ alone in all things relating to matters of salvation, faith, etc.

What is the right sacrifice before God? Dr. Paulson continues to examine Cain and Able in an effort to refute the notion that the difference between the two was a result of the correct use of free will.

Dr. Paulson opens up an examination of the story of Cain and Abel.

Dr. Paulson discusses the difference between free will and dominion over creation.

Dr. Paulson continues to characterize the dialogue between Luther and Erasmus.

Is the Gospel just a feeling of relief?

God's word is not just a guide, making you desire to leave the cave and enter the world of real things.

Dr. Paulson discusses Plato's analogy of the Cave. He emphasizes how Erasmus used this analogy to confuse God's words of law and gospel.

In what way is the Church a remnant? Luther uses God's preservation of a remnant of faithful teachers and preachers throughout scripture and the Church against Erasmus and his argument that Luther stands alone.

Luther explains that the church embraced free will not because of Scripture but just as the Trojans embraced the Greek's wooden horse.