What is a major teaching of Martin Luther regarding salvation?

Martin Luther's central teaching regarding salvation is "justification by faith alone," which emphasizes that individuals are made right with God not through their own efforts or merits, but solely through their faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine formed a foundational principle of the Protestant Reformation, contrasting sharply with the prevailing views of the Roman Catholic Church at the time, which held that both faith and good works were necessary for salvation.

Luther argued that human beings cannot earn salvation; instead, it is a gift from God that can be received through faith. This belief aligns with key biblical texts, such as Romans 1:17, which states that "the righteous shall live by faith." Luther's focus on faith alone meant that the reliance on rituals, good works, or adherence to church authority as a means of achieving salvation was rejected, thus reshaping the understanding of how one can attain God’s grace. This emphasized the personal relationship between the believer and God, affirming that salvation is accessible to all who truly believe.