Christological Themes in Luther's Theology

Theologians from Bellarmino and Gregor of Valencia to Yves M.-J. Congar have questioned different aspects of Luther's Christology in relation to Catholic tradition. Luther generally set forth his theology within specific disputes, and in this article it is discussed whether Luther had a consistent Christology based on a reflection over the two natures of Christ and the asserted unity and communication between them. Further, what Luther meant with his theory of words acquiring new meanings when they are transferred from the sphere of philosophy to theology (nova vocabula), talking about the relation between created and uncreated in Christ, is discussed. The article concludes that the soteriological intention of Luther's Christology, and especially the doctrine of two natures, is in line with the formula of Chalcedon: "For us and for our salvation". Luther maintains this against all ontological speculations about the terms used in the doctrine of two natures.