What theological concept is linked to Martin Luther's reforms?

Martin Luther's reforms are fundamentally connected to the theological concept of justification by faith alone. This principle asserts that individuals are made righteous before God solely through their faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through their own works or adherence to certain rituals. Luther emphasized that salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned, which formed the cornerstone of his challenge to the Catholic Church's practices at the time.

This doctrine emerged prominently in Luther's writings, particularly in his "Ninety-Five Theses," where he criticized the sale of indulgences and argued that faith, rather than purchasing forgiveness or undergoing penance, is essential to receiving God's grace. The emphasis on faith as the sole means of justification was a radical departure from the prevailing understanding of the Church, which included a heavier reliance on works, tradition, and ecclesiastical authority.

Understanding justification by faith alone is crucial to grasping the impact of the Reformation and how it reshaped Christian theology, promoting the idea of personal faith and a direct relationship with God, which would later significantly influence Protestant denominations.