Experiencing Gospel

<p>Gordon Jensen's careful analysis of the 1534 Luther Bible uncovers the central truth of Martin Luther's prodigious translation efforts: Luther's commitment to producing this physical <i>object</i> was founded in his desire that receiving the Gospel might become a lived <i>experience</i>. Contrary to popular perception Luther's works were not the first the freshest or even the most user-friendly German biblical translations of the time. Rather their power came in Luther's utter commitment to creatively sharing the Word so that people would encounter Christ within the pages of scripture and through scripture thus driving Christ into their hearts and lives.</p><p></p><p>Jensen locates proof of Luther's commitment in his deliberate decision to highlight seven specific words and phrases in the text of his 1534 translation. Combined these terms provide a concise summary of Luther's Reformation theology: the source voice content and command of the gospel. Skillfully tracing the theological implications of Luther's editorial decisions Jensen provides readers with a crystalline view into the very heart of Luther's theological message. The written Bible is important not for its literary qualities or its inerrancy -- an irrelevant premise for Luther as Jensen explains. Rather the Bible's essential value is as the conduit through which Christ is proclaimed. Luther's hope was that once someone encountered the Bible they would experience the gospel and having experienced it want to share this gospel so that others might experience Christ and the Word of life as well.</p>