A World Upside Down: Four Essays on the Life and Theology of Martin Luther

As he approached the final decade of his life, Martin Luther observed that the beginning and end of all his theology was simple faith in Christ. This faith in Christ brought peace and joy to his soul, and also turned 1500s Europe upside down through the Reformation.

A World Upside Down is a collection of four essays that describe this faith. The first essay describes the intersection of this faith with Luther's remarkable life, giving him great assurance before God, yet placing him at war with the world. In the second essay, Luther's Understanding of the Gospel is discussed: what faith in Christ is, the need we all have for the Savior, and the Christian's humble dependence on the good news of God's unchanging grace. The third essay, That No Flesh Should Glory in God's Presence, shares Luther's teaching that the gospel outlined in chapter two gives all glory to God:

• God's wisdom revealed in the gospel message humbles man's pride and wisdom and exalts God alone
• The gospel produces good works in the believer's life to the glory of God

The final essay, Christ's Church, shares Luther's thought that the forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ is central to the life of the church. The church is made up of forgiven and weak sinners who are dearly loved by God and carried by him through their earthly pilgrimage. This essay summarizes the book, applying Luther's theology to us in the 21st century. Martin Luther's life and theology are shared with the hope that we, like Luther, would grow in having simple, uncluttered faith in Christ alone for the glory and honor of God.

Charles E. Fry (BA, Marshall University; BA, Moody Bible Institute) is currently pursuing an MA in Theology at Christ College, Irvine, where he enjoys studying the theology of the Reformation. He has taught several church history classes with the goal of sharing a high view of God and a clear understanding of the gospel. In 2011, Chuck was licensed for the ministry through the Baptist church. Chuck is on staff with The Navigators in Huntington, West Virginia, and has been in discipleship ministry since 1989. He and his wife, Lisa, organize and host the annual Majesty of God conference, held each April. Chuck and Lisa have a daughter named Heidi and live in Ona, West Virginia.