In Sinu Patris: Die barmherzige Trinität in Luthers Gebrauch von Joh 1, 18

Abstract

This article studies Martin Luther’s understanding of John 1 : 18 with a special regard to the Trinitarian saying that the Son is “in the bosom of the Father”. This saying is exposed in detail in Luther’s first lectures on the Psalms and again in 1538. In addition to these two expositions, Luther presents many shorter remarks on the Trinitarian meaning of John 1 : 18. The study shows that Luther’s view of merciful God becomes connected with a Trinitarian argument, claiming that you cannot believe in God’s mercy unless you interpret John 1 : 18 in a Trinitarian manner. In addition, the unique position of the Son “in the bosom” enables the communication of the Father’s deepest thoughts to human beings through the mediating and revelatory role of the Son. Therefore the relationship of the Son to the Father is also significant when our knowledge of God as both lawgiver and merciful Father is being discussed.