Martin Luther was deeply in love with the gospel, the good news that we can have peace with God by faith in Jesus. Before his conversion, his conscience tormented him. He clearly grasped God’s holy anger against sin and his own horribly sinful heart. This inner turmoil continued until he believed that God gave righteousness to needy sinners who look by faith to Christ.
On our own, we stand guilty because of sin. We need what the Bible calls justification. In other words, we need the gavel of God’s justice to come down in our favor. But how is that possible? The good news of the gospel gives that verdict. Jesus lived faithfully where we failed, yet He took our guilty sentence on Himself.
After Luther grasped this glorious news of freedom from fear and condemnation by
faith in the finished work of Jesus, he reflected on what the gospel gives. It gives salvation in Jesus. It gives Jesus’ peace to troubled consciences. It gives every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). The good news of the gospel is for you!