Luther's Conversion in his own words

An account of Luther's own conversion is to be found in Luther's Works Volume 34, pages 336-337. It reads:

Meanwhile, I had already during that year [believed to be 1519] returned to interpret the Psalter anew. I had confidence in the fact that I was more skilful, after I had lectured in the university on St. Paul's epistles to the Romans, to the Galatians, and the one to the Hebrews. I had indeed been captivated with an extraordinary ardor for understanding Paul in the Epistle to the Romans. But up till then it was not the cold blood about the heart, but a single word in Chapter 1, "In it the righteousness of God is revealed," that had stood in my way. For I hated that word "righteousness of God," which, according to the use and custom of all the teachers, I had been taught to understand philosophically regarding the formal or active righteousness, as they call it, with which God is righteous and punishes the unrighteous sinner.

J A Wylie's Account of Luther's transformation from Monk to Reformer

James A. Wylie wrote the classic known as "The History of Protestantism". In Book Five entitled "History of Protestantism in Germany to the Leipic Disputation, 1519" and Chapter Four entitled "Luther the Monk becomes Luther the Reformer" Wylie describes the transformation that took place in Luther's life.

Chapter Four of Book Five is reproduced here:

Chapter Four summary

Staupitz – Visits the Convent at Erfurt – Meets Luther – Conversations between the Vicar-General and the Monk – The Cross – Repentance – A Free Salvation – The Dawn Begins – The Night Returns – An Old Monk – "The Forgiveness of Sins" – Luther's Full Emancipation – A Rehearsal – Christendom's Burden – How Delivered

An account of Martin Luther’s Conversion By Horatius Bonar

Horatius Bonar lived from 1808 – 1889. He was a contemporary and acquaintance of Robert Murray M'cheyne. He came from a long line of Gospel ministers who had served a total of 364 years in the Church of Scotland. His brothers John and Andrew were also ministers of the Gospel.

Horatius Bonar knew a lot of tragedy in his life. Married to Jane Catherine Lundie in 1843, five of their young children died in succession. Towards the end of their lives, one of their surviving daughters was left a widow with five small children of her own. She subsequently returned to live with her parents. His son in law, Rev. G. T. Dodds, died in 1882 while serving as a missionary in France. Horatius Bonar later wrote a biography of his son in law, entitled: 'The Life and Works of the Rev. G. T. Dodds'.

Horatius Bonar was first a minister in the Church of Scotland. His first charge was a mission work at St. John's parish in Leith and then settled at Kelso. I the Great Disruption of 1843 Horatius Bonar left the Church of Scotland and joined the Free Church. In 1867 he moved to Edinburgh to take over the Chalmers Memorial Church, named after Dr. Thomas Chalmers. In 1883, Horatius Bonar was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.

Horatius Bonar was a prolific and hugely popular author. This is what he wrote of Luther:

Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible omits any reference to children needing to be converted in the section entitled: "Raising children in the Lord"

In the 'Christian Living Section' of 'The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible', there is an article entitled: "Raising Children in the Lord".

This article outlines five "means" which Christian parents are to employ in raising children in the Lord. There is first a reference to praying for children. This is expanded to mean labouring to bring our children to Jesus so that He might bless them. Matthew 19:13-15* is included as a reference at this point. [*see below]

Subsequent "means" of raising children are outlined as: teaching the Bible to your children, disciplining them in love, offering wise counsel, and lastly, living as a godly example before them.