Martin Luther and the Old Testament

Abstract

The article discusses Martin Luther’s views on the place and meaning of Moses the Prophet and of his Pentateuch, as a revelation of God’s will and of the law of God, in the spiritual history of mankind. In his debate with the radicals and the “Judaizers” of his time, Luther specifies three aspects of importance which Moses and the Old Testament have for the citizens of the realm of grace preached in the Gospel: Moses is a lawgiver for the Jews and merely a Teacher (of faith and love towards the only God) for Christians. In the books of the Script written by him, unique promises concerning the future Christ the Saviour are given and Moses presents us examples of faith and disbelief, as well as of the fortunes of the faithful and the unfaithful.