Theology
Martin Luther’s Christology The Reformer and the Great Tradition Mark C. Mattes Martin Luther is often remembered for his doctrine of justifica - tion, yet his Christology remains comparatively underexplored. In this substantial contribution, leading Lutheran theologian Mark C. Mattes demonstrates how Luther’s understanding of Christ stands within, and creatively reforms, the Great Tradition. Engaging themes such as Christ and the law, the hypostatic union, redemption, union with Christ, and the life of faith, Mattes shows that, for Luther, the gospel is fundamentally promise rather than command. Through the “joyous exchange,” believers receive Christ’s righteousness while he bears their sin, securing their identity in God’s love and freeing them for service. Christ meets his people in Word and sacrament, defends them from accusation, and conforms them to his image. Highlighting the broad catholic dimensions of Luther’s Christology and its significance for contemporary ecumenical discussion, this volume will benefit professors, students, and scholars seeking a richer account of Luther’s Christ-centered vision for the life of the church. CONTENTS 1. Luther: Defender or Denier of the Great Tradition? PART 1: JESUS CHRIST AND THE LAW 2. Christ as Redeemer and Mediator 3. The Theology of the Cross and Christology 4. Jesus Christ and Delight in the Law PART 2: PARTICIPATION IN JESUS CHRIST 5. Beautiful Savior 6. Testament and Real Presence 7. The Personal Union in Christ and the Communication of Attributes 8. Union with Christ, Participation, and Contemporary Christian Platonism
FEBRUARY 2027 • 312 pp. • $39.99p • 9781540971418
Mark C. Mattes (PhD, University of Chicago) is professor of doctoral studies at American Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is the au- thor of Martin Luther’s Theology of Beauty , The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology , and Law and Gospel in Action . He also serves as an associate editor for Lutheran Quarterly Books and on the Continuation Committee of the International Luther Congress.
9. The Difference Christ Makes for Ministry 10. Luther: Appropriating and Reforming the Great Tradition Indexes
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR MARTIN LUTHER’S THEOLOGY OF BEAUTY 240 pp. • $38.00p • 9781540971142
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