How did Martin Luther respond to Erasmus on free will?

Martin Luther's response to Erasmus regarding free will was a significant moment in theological discourse that emphasized the bondage of the will. In his work 'The Bondage of the Will,' Luther contended that human will is not free to choose good because it is enslaved by sin as a result of the Fall. He rejected Erasmus's view that grace functions as an advisor allowing the will to assist in salvation, arguing instead that the will is incapable of contributing to its own salvation. This stance directly challenged the synergistic perspective that suggests cooperation between human effort and divine grace in redemption.

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.