In chapter 3 of Martin Luther’s Theology Oswald Bayer starts really digging in. He asks the question, what was it that really marked the turning point for Martin Luther. What understanding set him apart? What was it that was reformational or evangelical in his thinking?
Most good students of Lutheran theology and history would quickly answer, “it’s his understanding of the righteousness of God” or “Rom. 1:17!” Bayer says that while these are part of the picture, he wouldn’t focus on them as the center. He states that what really marked Luther, what was a return or reformation of the faith, and what inspired him was a new understanding of promise. God is a God of promises. He discusses the idea of performative language. That’ a big term that simply means, “that which establishes communication, which frees one and gives one confidence,: an effective, accomplishing word.” Some statements in the Bible or by people simpy describe reality. Promises in the Bible and specifically God’s promises of salvation accomplish it. When Jesus says, “I forgive you”, it happens then and now. There is no more uncertainty.
That was huge to Luther. As a man who dealt with a lot of doubt, the idea that God would promise and create a reality of forgiveness in his life, something he could grab hood of, was big. And you could find that promise all over the life of the church. In coming to worship or in private absolution. In baptism. In the Lord’s Supper.
Indeed, what’s amazing is that there are places all over the Bible where God promises things to us. And what’s great about the Bible is that it’s not dead words describing a past reality, but alive and present. So when you hear the promises of God as you read it, they are creating realities in your life too.
Now you can hear these realities in church, in the sacraments, etc, but you can also apply them as you read the Scripture. Think about all those promises. Here’s a site that lists a bunch, but there are many more. Click on it and think about how God is making these things happen in your life. Think about what you need most. Sometimes we think of Luther and his insights as old, but think about his insight into promise and performative language. Your specific doubts may be different than Luther, but we all need God’s promises. We all face doubt. We all face uncertainty. And we all need a God who promises to. . . heal, forgive, love, be with us, strengthen us, . . . the list goes on.
