Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Mastery

Martin Luther's emphasis on salvation through faith alone, known as "sola fide," is a cornerstone of his theological beliefs. He argued that human beings are justified in the sight of God solely through their faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through any merits or good works they might accrue. This doctrine emerged during the Protestant Reformation as a reaction against the Catholic Church's practices, which included the selling of indulgences and the belief that faith must be accompanied by good deeds for salvation.

By promoting faith as the sole requirement for salvation, Luther fundamentally shifted the understanding of the relationship between humans and God. He proposed that faith is a gift from God, allowing believers to trust in Christ’s redemptive work rather than relying on their actions, which could never fully atone for sin. This idea challenged the prevailing notions of salvation and contributed to significant theological debates, ultimately leading to the formation of various Protestant denominations that embrace "sola fide."

In this context, the other choices reflect differing views that do not align with Luther's core message. The combination of good works and faith suggests a more traditional view of earning salvation, while strict adherence to church doctrine and universal reconciliation diverge from Luther’s focus on individual faith as the key to salvation.