Ontological and Imputed Righteousness in Luther and the Lutheran Confessions: Development of the Reformational Doctrine of Justification

The purpose of this book is to trace how Luther's theology evolved from early Catholic stages, eventually arriving at a reformational interpretation of the doctrine of justification. Milestones and two primary turning points are identified in order to best clarify the true historical significance of his theology and its continuing effects until today. The late medieval penitential system caused Luther great spiritual anxiety, and he came into intense conflict with church authorities. Influences and engagement with colleagues (especially Philip Melanchthon) and a working recovery of ancient and biblical sources also spurred theological development that exhibited a shift away from traditional emphasis on intrinsic-sanative, ontological righteousness, to extrinsic-passive, imputed, alien righteousness from Christ. Luther's mature theology was preserved in the Lutheran Church's confessional documents. The Formula of Concord resulted from resolving a series of intra-Lutheran controversies, cementing confessional identity from that point on. Ecumenical dialogues conducted in the twentieth century (with special attention given to the doctrine of justification) helped bridge divides between Lutherans, Catholics, and Orthodox.