Introduction to Church History

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO CHURCH HISTORY
Introduction to Church History
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

INTRODUCTION TO CHURCH HISTORY2
Task – 1
Question – 1.1
Ans: In the book “Introduction to Church History”, the readers get to know about the fact
that Martin Luther was troubled by two different things at the time of his conversion. These
two things are the frightening holiness of God and the strong anger of God himself. This is
because Luther felt that God himself is of a holy nature and nothing more could be holier
than that of God himself (An Introduction to Church History, 2017, Pg. 13.4)
Similarly, God’s anger troubled Luther because of the swift justice which God
imparts to those who are in need of such justice in their lives. All these reasons made Luther
troubled at the time of his conversion.
Question – 1.2
Ans: Martin Luther had presented five key doctrines during his lifetime as part of the
religious reform movement. These key doctrines can be described as follows:
The Sovereignty of God
In this statement, Martin Luther tells the readers that God is sovereign and he
oversees all humans. He also tells the readers that humans are accountable to God and they
are responsible for their actions despite God’s will (An Introduction to Church History, 2017,
).
The Anger or Wrath of God
Martin Luther in this doctrine, tells his readers of the fact that humans are sinners and
thus, God has the right to punish them for their wrongdoings. He also tells that God
condemns injustice, unholiness and corruption of the people for which the human will be
punished as they are helpless without God himself.

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The Law and Sin
In this doctrine, Martin Luther tells the readers laws are available for making the
people aware of their sins. The guilt of these sins prevents the people from reaching out to
God for his help and forgiveness of their sins (An Introduction to Church History, 2017, Pg.
3.12).
The Righteousness of Christ
This doctrine of Martin Luther tells the readers about the fact that humans need Jesus
Christ for justifying their sins to God. This is because the righteousness of Christ himself will
help the people to the forgiveness of their sins from God himself.
The Church
This final doctrine of Martin Luther states to the reads the fact that the Church was
mainly a meeting place of the saints and the nature of the church can only be recognized by
the means of faith. He further stated that the Holy Spirit presides and rules over the church
itself.
Question – 1.3
Ans: The five most important elements of the teachings which were imparted by Calvin are
as follows:
The Knowledge of God
This teaching of Calvin tells the readers of the fact that God is sovereign and us
separate from the humanity created by him in the Bible. The Bible helps the humans to know,
understand and love God through the guidance of Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit (An
Introduction to Church History, 2017 Pg.14.8).

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Providence
In this teaching of Calvin, the readers get the idea that God is the true master of the
Universe and it was he who had created everything. Everything in the world happens because
of the will of God, although the human beings are responsible for their actions themselves.
The Law
The law plays a very important role in the teachings of humanity. He says that the
main purpose of laws in the world is to identify the sin and prevent the sinner from
commuting it. It also serves to protect the faithful from the sinners.
The Old and The New Testaments
Calvin tells in this teaching that The Old and The New Testament of The Bible are
important because it is through these Bibles that people would get to know about the
teachings of Jesus Christ better (An Introduction to Church History, 2017, Pg. - 14.9).
Participation in the Grace of Christ
Calvin tells the readers in this section that it is important for the human beings to be
associated with Christ because Christ was the only way to the method of salvation for the
humans.