The doctrine of the real presence gradually became the center of Luther's thought and piety, although his modalistic conception of the eucharistic presence remained constant. Luther borrows from Thomas Aquinas to refute the Swiss reformers. The doctrine of the real presence was pivotal for Luther's solus Christus theology. There is no theory of atonement in Luther's theology. Atonement remains a mystery.
Theory belongs to reason, to a theology of glory.
Christ in His death is regarded as a worm, an object of contempt, forsaken of God. The theological priorities of Luther and Lutheranism, as expressed in these articles, make them a theological key, however neglected, to what was most important to Luther about his life's work. The theology of the cross is primarily a theology of justification and offers a sharp contrast to the theology of glory. The theologian of the cross focuses on the incarnate Christ suffering the shame and humiliation of the cross and in that hidden revelation recognizes God and God's will for humanity. Delineates the on-going dispute in regard to the third use of the law between the two traditions.