Reformation misconceptions

#1: Martin Luther thought that the Pope made salvation too difficult

Ninety-Five Theses Door, Castle Church, Wittenberg, Germany

Dear Friends,

There are a lot of Reformation misconceptions, even when you're walking around the places in Germany.

One of the most popular is the idea that Martin Luther was protesting the Catholic Church because they made salvation too difficult. It is true that Luther was troubled with the emphasis on the role that works played in the papal system of salvation. He was a champion of grace alone, and faith alone.

But is chief complaint in the Ninety-Five Theses was not that the Pope made things too difficult, but too easy.

In his introductory letter to the Theses, written to the Archbishop of Mainz, Luther writes:

Papal indulgences for the building of St. Peter's are circulating under your most distinguished name, and as regards them, I do not bring accusation against the outcries of the preachers, which I have not heard, so much as I grieve over the wholly false impressions which the people have conceived from them; to wit,—the unhappy souls believe that if they have purchased letters of indulgence they are sure of their salvation; again, that so soon as they cast their contributions into the money-box, souls fly out of purgatory; furthermore, that these graces [i. e., the graces conferred in the indulgences] are so great that there is no sin too great to be absolved, even, as they say — though the thing is impossible—if one had violated the Mother of God; again, that a man is free, through these indulgences, from all penalty and guilt.…

Why, then, do the preachers of pardons, by these false fables and promises, make the people careless and fearless?

Luther posting the 95 Theses

Consider some of these theses, and Luther's concern for true contrition:

35. They preach no Christian doctrine who teach that contrition is not necessary in those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessionalia.

39. It is most difficult, even for the very keenest theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the abundance of pardons and [the need of] true contrition.

40. True contrition seeks and loves penalties, but liberal pardons only relax penalties and cause them to be hated, or at least, furnish an occasion [for hating them].

The first part of repentance is contrition, the knowledge that we are guilty of breaking God's law and deserving of his wrath and punishment.

The second part of repentance is faith, trusting the work of Christ to forgive sinners. But, if I can purchase forgiveness, then why did Christ die?

Here are the last four theses, where this emphasis comes through again.

92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace!

93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross!

94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace.

Find all the Theses here.

There are two things that are impossible to know apart from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit:

1. I am a sinner.

2. Jesus is the Forgiver of my sins.

We have a skewed self-assessment. We tend to think of ourselves as “good people.” And if we are good, then salvation is attainable by our own works and efforts.

It is only the sick that know they need a doctor. Only sinners who know they need a Savior.

So the first argument of the Reformation, the first argument of repentance, the first word of the Lord is the Law that shows us our sins. Then we see the depths of the Lord’s love.

God be praised!

PrBW

---

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor's Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don't have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don't have old theology books, click here.) 

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself. 

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch. 

Lord's Blessings, Pastor Wolfmueller

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | Everbook | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Logos Software