Promissio

“Oswald Bayer's Promissio is a masterful, groundbreaking study that offers a new perspective on Luther's theological development compared to previous research. It stands out by extraordinary exegetical precision in the interpretation of Luther's texts, by in-depth systematic reflection of its observations as well as by pointed summaries of its results. Even more than fifty years after its first publication, it has not been outdated. The excellent English translation allows for and encourages a broad reception in the English-speaking world. Whether one agrees with Bayer's view or not, serious research into Luther must take into account his perspective on the "reformational turn" in Luther's theology.”

Theodor Dieter

“The Western shift to postmodernity has made contemporary theologians afraid to make any claims about reality as a whole. Bayer is different. Through Silcock's groundbreaking translation of a new and expanded English edition of his classic Promissio, Bayer dares to show a whole new generation of readers and scholars how Luther's reformational understanding of the unity of God's word of promise and the certainty of faith not only unlocks the Reformer's whole theology but touches on every aspect of our lives. A tour de force!”

Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.

“It is a rare thing when a book on Luther grows rather than recedes in importance fifty years on from its publication. Bayer's Promissio, now rendered in clear and precise English in Silcock's masterful translation, still inspires fresh research. For the attentive reader, its significance may far exceed a study of Luther's early development--this is a book about the heart of the gospel and the great struggle to speak it clearly.”

Adam T. Morton

“Finally! English-speakers can now read Oswald Bayer's groundbreaking work Promissio in their own language! Here Bayer follows the appearance in Luther's theology of the core reformational teaching that God's word does what it says. This work should be read and studied not just by Reformation scholars and theologians, but by all who value and trust the promise of the gospel, which actually bestows what it proclaims: the forgiveness of God won by Christ crucified!”

Joshua C. Miller

“Dr. Silcock has provided this carefully crafted translation of Oswald Bayer's magisterial study of the decisive turn in Luther's theology that was triggered by his insight into the performative function of God's word as his promise that conveys what it pledges to give in its oral proclamation and liturgical enactment. The translation is distinguished by Silcock's close reading of the text and clear presentation of its somewhat difficult academic syntax in lucid English.”

John W. Kleinig

“In this book, Oswald Bayer, a foremost German Luther scholar, pinpoints how Luther, early in his career, became distinctively gospel-centered. This turn happened when Luther realized that the gospel is a promise, a word that neither merely describes reality nor directs behavior but instead actually delivers forgiveness, life, and salvation. Bayer's lucid survey of Luther's early works not only engages scholars but also supports pastors eager to preach good news. Given that many crave to see the church rekindle its sense of mission, this book is poised to help energize its witness.”

Mark Mattes

“Oswald Bayer has put the motif of promise at the center of Luther's doctrine of justification by faith. Here is an instance of an interface of theology and piety. Theologically, promise supplies proper substances to Luther's doctrine of God as active agent and God's actions in Christ for us, and to the meaning of the human person as passive agent before God. Experientially, the stress on the word of promise does two things: It places us under that word, allowing it to do its task on us; it accentuates hearing ("ear") as essential to formation of faith, even contrary to what we see ("eye"). Promise and faith form a seamless unity: Without promise, there is nothing to believe, while without faith, promise is useless. By grace, God's promise seizes us, and we in turn seize him back by faith. The Christian life receives its nourishment from the bountiful blessings that inhere in the various forms that God's promise assumes: preaching, confession and absolution, baptism, the Lord's supper. Bayer calls us to heed Luther's fundamental assertion that the subject of theology is God's promise, which delivers what it says. Because God does not lie, faith can be certain of what God promises, despite our fickle emotions and despite all appearances to the contrary.”

Dennis Ngien

“Bayer is a meticulous and insightful Luther scholar, documenting the Reformer's path in coming to an understanding of the gospel as God's performative promise. Not only is Promissio a foundational contribution to Luther research, but it is also a book that demonstrates the vitality of Luther's understanding of the divine promise for preaching, liturgy, and pastoral care in the twenty-first century.”

John T. Pless