Eileen Beckett surveys Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will, particularly his response to Erasmus's synergistic view of salvation presented in On the Freedom of the Will. Erasmus taught that human free will cooperates with divine grace for salvation—that fallen humanity retains the ability to merit salvation through their own volition aided by God's grace—a doctrine Luther vigorously opposed. In Chapter II, Luther emphasizes the necessity of doctrinal assertions grounded in Scripture and taught by the Holy Spirit, rejecting both Erasmus's uncertainty and the paradox theology of Luther's contemporaries, arguing instead for the full assurance and certainty that Paul exemplifies in his apostolic teaching.
What does the Bible say about free will?
The Bible teaches that human will is in bondage due to sin, as seen in passages like Romans 3:10-12.
Furthermore, Luther’s response to Erasmus emphasizes that the will is inclined to evil and cannot, apart from divine intervention, choose what is good. In Ephesians 2:1-5, Paul elaborates that we were dead in our sins until God, in His mercy, made us alive in Christ. Thus, while the concept of free will is often promoted, Reformed theology maintains that true freedom is found in submitting one's will to God’s grace, which regenerates the heart and enables genuine faith and good works.
Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-5
How do we know the doctrine of sin is true?
The doctrine of sin is affirmed throughout Scripture, particularly in Romans 5:12.
In addition, the pervasive nature of sin is illustrated in many other scriptures, illustrating that all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The need for a Savior, therefore, is intrinsically tied to the reality of human sinfulness. Understanding the doctrine of sin is vital for recognizing the necessity of grace and salvation through faith in Christ, which is central to the Reformed faith. Without an accurate understanding of sin, one cannot fully appreciate the significance of Christ's redemptive work.
Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23
Why is the concept of grace important for Christians?
Grace is central to Christianity as it unmerited favor from God that leads to salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Furthermore, understanding grace reshapes a believer's entire perspective on their relationship with God. In recognizing that salvation is based solely on God's grace through faith, Christians can live in assurance of their standing before God. They are not burdened by the need to attain righteousness on their own but can rest in the completed work of Christ. This truth enables believers to respond with gratitude and a life committed to holiness and service, reflecting the generosity of the grace they have received. Hence, grace is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality that underpins the faith and practice of every Christian.
Ephesians 2:8-9
How did Martin Luther respond to Erasmus on free will?
Martin Luther argued against Erasmus by asserting that human will is enslaved to sin and cannot choose good without grace.
Luther underscored the necessity of divine intervention for salvation, echoing the sentiments found in Scripture that without God's enabling grace, individuals lack the ability to be drawn to Him. He affirmed that assertions based upon Scripture should drive theological understanding rather than human opinions. For Luther, the truth of human depravity and God's sovereign grace were essential to grasping the depth of the Gospel, which provides assurance to believers that their salvation rests solely in Christ and His work. Luther's bold assertions remain influential in Reformed theology today, reinforcing the belief in total depravity and irresistible grace.
I had never read The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther and so I have started that book and am thrilled by the very first chapters. I’m into chapter two which begins the meat of Luther’s response to Erasmus. So occasionally I will post a thing or two on this great book.
I did a very brief study on Erasmus and his view on free-will that he taught in his treatise On the Freedom of the Will which prompted Luther’s writing of The Bondage.
In summary:
Erasmus defines free will as “a power of the human will by which a man can apply himself to the things which lead to eternal salvation or turn away from them”, a synergistic view of salvation. (the doctrine that human effort cooperates with divine grace in the salvation of the soul.)
He has said the following; ”Because of the fall, the will is ‘inclined’ to evil, but can still do good’ and ‘Not only does the human will have power, although a little power, but the will has power by which a man merits salvation”.
He believed that free will was necessary for there to be sin, there were 3 graces of God, the first being that all men have a measure of grace implanted by God, the second is the peculiar grace that arouses a sinner to repent and then becomes a ‘candidate’ for the highest grace which is saving grace only for those then who come by their free-will. He calls grace an ‘advisor’, ‘helper’ and ‘architect’ and so alludes to his idea that man’s free-will is aided by God’s grace.
Well, that was enough for me, although I’m sure it would be very beneficial to read all of Erasmus’ treatise. It did give me a greater knowledge of why Martin Luther wrote his The Bondage of the Willand the importance of it, even to us today. The issues of that day still abound.
In the first part of Chapter II the response to Erasmus is entitled “Of the necessity of Assertions in Christianity”. Erasmus had written that he found no satisfaction in assertions and Luther defined assertions as ‘staunchly holding your ground, stating it, confessing it, defending it and persevering in it”, I found that encouraging. These are not assertions based on our own opinions, the opinions of man, or on doubtful or unprofitable matters, but on the Scriptures and what the Spirit teaches us, in other words, the Truth. Luther went on to say: “Let us have men who will assert just as the Apostle Paul and how often does he call for that ‘full assurance’, which is, simply, an assertion of conscience, of the highest degree of certainty and conviction.”
Luther refutes the idea (that is still prevalent) that we mustn’t look into all of the scriptures and try and understand them but instead says “for uncertainty is the most miserable thing in all the world” and so he refutes ‘paradox’ theology. I loved his statement to Erasmus “leave us free to make assertions, and to find in assertions our satisfaction and delight”as we take great delight in the Truth of the Word and I’m thankful for the boldness the Lord gave to Martin Luther.
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