DE SERVO ARBITRIO: the theological paradigm for Lutheran theological discourse.
(as explained by Robert Kolb in Bound Choice, Election, and Wittenberg Theological Method)

Over the course of several postings, I'll be putting my understanding of Kolb's presentation of Luther's theological foundation as expressed by his answer to Erasmus in 'The Bondage of the Will.'

Thesis Number One:
quote from page 32
Let God Be God
God is a person, the almighty Creator of all that exists, the sovereign Lord and sole acting agent over his creation, totally responsible for all that takes place.

DISCUSSION:

These points explicate the thesis:

1) God is not an impersonal force nor an extension of human capability;

2) God alone is THE Creator;
--establishing human existence, identity, and righteousness;
--totally distinct from his creation;
--God's freedom is not contingent as is human freedom

3) God's foreknowledge is creative
--it brings about the future instead of observing it;
--God does not lie but brings about all things by his will which we know in Jesus Christ;
--The comfort that salvation from sin rests solely upon God's decision is not only biblical, but the basis for
pastoral care.

4) God's free agency is a "willing" synonymous with his providential care of creation, especially its sinners.
--God's "willing" never ceases otherwise it would cease to be a "will;"
--God wills righteousness, not in the sense of "fairness" (justice), but in granting mercy and
the bestowal of love;
--This "will" of God is hidden from sinners and must be revealed to them.

5) --The gospel of Christ declared to the people is God creating them anew through Christ's death and resurrection:
--in Luther's lectures on Galatians and using Paul in Romans 6;
--God's saving work is to put sinners to death and raise them up to new life in Christ--new
life/new creatures/new creation.