Final answer:
The question pertains to the debate in Christian theology between faith and works for justification and salvation. It discusses Martin Luther's and John Calvin's views that salvation is granted by God through faith alone, with Luther initiating the Protestant Reformation and Calvin extending the argument to predestination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the role of faith and works in justification and salvation, which falls under the study of Christian theology within Social Studies. It is concerned with the perspectives of figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin and touches upon the doctrines of justification by faith alone and predestination, respectively. According to Luther, salvation cannot be earned through good works but is granted by God through faith. Calvin extended this idea with his doctrine of predestination, eliminating the role of free will in salvation.
Luther's Ninety-five Theses challenged the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences, a critique which initiated the Protestant Reformation. He believed that only through faith can one receive God's grace and be justified or made righteous before God. By contrast, the Catholic Church during that time emphasized the importance of good works in contributing to one's salvation.
The referenced figures and historical context suggest that while faith is central to justification, this does not diminish the value of good works, which may still be spiritually and morally important even if they do not contribute to salvation in the Protestant understanding.