The Bondage of the Will

The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther addresses the inability of the human will to choose salvation apart from divine grace, responding directly to Erasmus of Rotterdam’s defense of free will. This 500th anniversary edition, published by Ligonier Ministries, presents Luther’s landmark work in an edited and adapted translation with helpful summaries, explanatory footnotes, and study questions.

Luther’s argument proceeds through a careful review of Erasmus’ preface and introduction, a refutation of the biblical texts Erasmus cited in favor of free will, a defense of the biblical texts that stand against it, and a concluding case from the writings of the Apostle Paul and the Apostle John. Throughout, Luther contends that in matters pertaining to salvation, the human will is not free but is held captive by sin, unable to turn toward God without the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. He insists that God’s commands in Scripture reveal what ought to be done, not what fallen humanity is able to do.

This edition also includes an introductory essay by R.C. Sproul, originally published in The Gordon Review, which situates the work within its historical and theological context and highlights its connection to the Reformation principles of grace alone, faith alone, and the authority of Scripture alone.

Key Themes

• The inability of the human will to choose salvation apart from God’s grace
• The sovereignty and foreknowledge of God over all things
• The authority and clarity of Scripture as the sole rule for theological dispute
• The distinction between God’s commands and human moral ability

Featured Quotes

“In his actings toward God, in things pertaining to salvation or damnation, he has no free will, but is the captive, the subject, and the servant either of the will of God or of the will of Satan.”

“The Gospel doesn’t add wickedness to the world, but only brings it to light.”