first published in 1525 martin luthers bondage of the will is acknowledged by theologians as one of the great masterpieces of the reformation it is luthers response to desiderius erasmuss diatribe on free will written in his direct and unique style combining deep spirituality with humor luther writes powerfully about mans depravity and gods sovereignty the crucial issue for luther concerned what ability free will has and to what degree it is subject to gods sovereignty for luther this key issue of free will is directly connected to gods plan of salvation is man able to save himself or is his salvation entirely a work of divine grace this work is vital to understanding the primary doctrines of the reformation and will long remain among the great theological classics of christian history