In 1520 Luther makes groundbreaking contributions to the Reformation with his sermons on “Usury,” “Good Works,” and the “Right of Marriage,” which opposed the Church’s mandated clerical celibacy. His “Sermon on the Ban” rejected papal excommunication.

In June 1520, the Pope issues the bull “Exsurge Domine,” (Arise O Lord), threatening Luther with excommunication and forbidding him to preach, publish or defend his position. He would have sixty days to recant. In this period, Luther wrote three treatises defining his desire for change and his clarity towards the faith:

(1) “To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation.” Luther calls on the princes to serve as bishops and blasts papal misuse of power.

(2) “On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church.” Luther insists that the Church’s sacramental practices are not biblical, except for Baptism and the Eucharist.

(3) “On the Freedom of a Christian.” Luther offers his clearest view of justification by faith up to that point. Luther affirms the biblical doctrine that no amount of good works can make a person righteous before God. Righteousness is a gift of God, through Faith.