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Summary: The Best Single Volume on Reformation Theology
Review: If you only have the time and/or inclination to read one book on Reformation theology, this is the book to choose. Luther hits the major topics through his discussion of a key issue and manages to speak derisively about his opponents at the same time. This is no dry theology text--not at all. Luther's prose drips with subtle sarcasm and wit--and he expounds his topic simultaneously.
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Summary: A must read for a right understanding the of the human will.
Review: Late in his life, Luther commented that of all he had written, there were only two works which did not need revision: his children's catechism and his Bondage of the Will. This is Luther at his best, systematically debunking the great Erasmus' arguments for the freedom of the human will. It is a must read for those struggling with the sovereignty of God and the freedom of the will. The introduction by Packer and Johnson alone is worth the price of the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Disturbingly Irrefutable
Review: Luther comprehensivly destroys every argument in favor of the existence of free will. There is no argument he has not anticipated and demonstrated to be false. He bases his discussion firmly in the Bible, and uses logic to derive his message. I am wary of this, being ever mindful that reason and logic are opposed to faith, are of the fleshly world instead of the spiritual, and are therefore Satan's tools. It is a difficult lesson to absorb, that our salvation is wholly at God's pleasure - as is our damnation. This poses the subsequent, inevitable question of "why then was Mankind created at all?" Luther addresses this point by stating that it cannot be addressed; that God has not chosen to reveal it. He misses his own line of argument here, the point of his entire treatise - we are are because it pleases God for us to be here! For this oversight only do I not give this book 5 stars.There is a second point that he makes in this book that is almost overlooked, but needs to be proclaimed loudly throughout the world. When I am wrestling with Scriptural texts, discussing them, debating them and trying to understand their import in today's world, I take great comfort in Luther's point that Scripture is not complex; the Scriptures are simple, and clear. It is only mankind who makes it difficult. Being made conscious that I have not been wrestling with the Scriptures, but am wrestling with myself, is instantly relieving and refreshing. Perhaps with that guidance the ecumenical movements could accomplish their missions.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: Luther wrote extensively about every possible issue facing the church, from theology proper to how to teach children to read so they can use the Bible. But of all his works, this one was the book he hoped would be read by subsequent generations. The message of the book really boils down to this - who saves whom. For Luther, salvation was all about what God did to save sinners who can not even prepare themselves to receive saving grace. In this work Luther is interacting with Erasmus, a Roman Catholic Humanist (in the good sense of that word) who also wanted reformation of the church. However, while Luther's reformation focused on the gospel and how a sinner is saved, Erasmus' view was more about moral improvement and abuses in the church. To the modern reader, Luther might sound harsh and mean spirited. However, he was writing in a tone that was part of that day. So don't get turned-off by the language and look to the argument. There is much for us to learn today by this great master of the past! Sola Fide!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: Luther wrote extensively about every possible issue facing the church, from theology proper to how to teach children to read so they can use the Bible. But of all his works, this one was the book he hoped would be read by subsequent generations. The message of the book really boils down to this - who saves whom. For Luther, salvation was all about what God did to save sinners who can not even prepare themselves to receive saving grace. In this work Luther is interacting with Erasmus, a Roman Catholic Humanist (in the good sense of that word) who also wanted reformation of the church. However, while Luther's reformation focused on the gospel and how a sinner is saved, Erasmus' view was more about moral improvement and abuses in the church. To the modern reader, Luther might sound harsh and mean spirited. However, he was writing in a tone that was part of that day. So don't get turned-off by the language and look to the argument. There is much for us to learn today by this great master of the past! Sola Fide!!
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Summary: Great text that lays the basis of the Reformed view.
Review: Luther's book is definitely the cornerstone of Reformation literature. Its significance is only heightened in the backwash religious climate of today. Great for understanding how the Sovereignty of God works in with man's salvation and how all views other than the Reformed view fall short.
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Summary: Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)
Review: Luther's emphasis on the veracity of God's word and insistance upon interpreting and applying the text plainly is a breath of fresh air in this age of twisted "scholarly" understandings. Luther cuts down Erasmus' arguments for the freedom of Man's will in salvation with the two-edged sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The power, sincerity, and passion of Luther's writing is matched only by the prophets, apostles and our Lord Himself. No believer should be able to read this book and come away still believing in the total freedom of Man's will. Luther wisely handles the most difficult objections in the same manner as the apostle Paul, answering naysayers with the challenge "who are you to answer back to God?" (Romans 9:20). The only downfall of the book is that Erasmus' arguments are so weak. Because of this, Luther spends much time refuting the foolish musings of reason and philosophy and therefore has less time to devote to the scripturally-based questions concerning this doctrine of the bondage of the will. Luther proves truly that "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18).
Rating:
Summary: Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)
Review: Luther's emphasis on the veracity of God's word and insistance upon interpreting and applying the text plainly is a breath of fresh air in this age of twisted "scholarly" understandings. Luther cuts down Erasmus' arguments for the freedom of Man's will in salvation with the two-edged sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The power, sincerity, and passion of Luther's writing is matched only by the prophets, apostles and our Lord Himself. No believer should be able to read this book and come away still believing in the total freedom of Man's will. Luther wisely handles the most difficult objections in the same manner as the apostle Paul, answering naysayers with the challenge "who are you to answer back to God?" (Romans 9:20). The only downfall of the book is that Erasmus' arguments are so weak. Because of this, Luther spends much time refuting the foolish musings of reason and philosophy and therefore has less time to devote to the scripturally-based questions concerning this doctrine of the bondage of the will. Luther proves truly that "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18).
Rating:
Summary: great book on the reformation and against "free-will"
Review: Martin Luther absolutely devastates Erasmus in this debate on the will. I am amazed that those who call themselves "Protestants" are really "Catholics" on this subject. This subject was of course the most important subject of the reformation.
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Summary: One of the greatest I have ever read!
Review: Some will see this book as nothing more than Martin Luther's combative apologetic against the doctrine of free will and works salvation. But this is precisely why this book ranks among the best ever written because it passionately, logically, and decisively deals with the error concerning free will and the error adding any human merit to salvation. The subject matter according to Luther is "the hinge on which the whole gospel turns". Luther himself said that this was perhaps his greatest work. I found my own logical attempts to resolve to free will controversy pinned to the mat by Luther's irrefutable logic and accurate use of the scriptures. This book should be a standard text in bible schools and seminaries. This book left me with the impression that the modern church as robbed God of His glory by insisting that a believer merits salvation because he/she was smart enough or had will enough to make a decision for Christ. In some ways it makes me realize that we have abandoned the true gospel in favor of a man-centered, warm-fuzzy, gospel. Read this book!!!!
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