Concerning Christian Liberty

Luther first focuses on the freedom of the inner man, "that we may see by what means a man becomes justified, free, and a true Christian; that is, a spiritual, new, and inward man." The soul's freedom is not tied to external factors that affect the body, for "what harm can ill health, bondage, hunger, thirst, or any other outward evil do to the soul?" Instead, "one thing, and one alone, is necessary for life, justification, and Christian liberty, and that is the most holy word of God, the gospel of Christ.