The Gospel Summary and Analysis

Luther is transferred from Erfurt to Wittenberg, a town with a population of 2,000 to 2,500 people, covering an area of only nine-tenths of a mile. It is at Wittenberg that he passes through a variety of crises to achieve stability. Luther discovers he can never do enough to save himself. Salvation does not rest entirely on human achievement, but also with God's help and favor.

Catholics practice confession, a time to confess all wrongdoing and seek absolution. Luther confesses often for as long as six hours at one time. Luther wants to be sure that he remembers and confesses every one of his sins. He knows the nature of man is corrupt and that the entire man is in need of forgiveness. Luther thinks that if sins are not confessed, they cannot be forgiven. This concerns him deeply. Luther's focus...