Mannermaas revisionist work on justification in Luthers theologya notable contribution from one of the most influential Finnish scholars of Luther studies is now available in English. His book opens up new interpretive questions for historical theology with striking implications for ecumenism, ethics, and spirituality.

He writes, "the idea of the divine life in Christ which is present in faith lies at the very center of the theology of the Reformer." He argues that later Lutheran interpretation of this teaching has portrayed justification as more mechanical and forensic than Luther did, underestimated the extent to which Gods righteousness is also ours, and obscured the radical personal transformation that Luther attributed to justification.