Luther’s Main Points of the 95 Thesis
This episode covers the three main issues that emerged from the Historic Reformation.
What was the divine order of authority in the world between God's Word, the Church, and tradition?
Who and what is infallible between the church and the Bible?
The Reformers desired to keep the traditions of God while discarding the traditions of men that made void God's commandments.
When Luther nailed the 95 Thesis to the door of the Wittenberg Church, he was not seeking to split the church.
He was desirous to have a healthy debate with church leaders over their treatment of the Bible and the souls entrusted to their care. Thr church refused and doubled down on corruption
First of the points of the 95 Thesis is repentance is spiritual gift not a financial transaction. We cannot bribe God nor pay enough money to save our souls. Our redemption is more costly than gold or silver.
God’s Holy Word is the supreme authority not the pope. All human authority delegated by God has limits.
Indulgences cannot redeem the souls of men nor remove the guilt and shame of sin.
Indulgences perverts the true Gospel of the Kingdom. Paul warned, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).
The true treasures in the church are not wealth, but the Gospel of God's grace and mercy.
Christians should imitate Christ. Believers should serve others and embrace compassion which means suffer with rather than rely on papal pardons.
The Church should use its wealth to help the poor, not exploit them.
In summary, he taught forgiveness and salvation come from God, not the Pope or the Church. Indulgences are a human invention that exploits believers, especially the poor. The Church needs reform to return to the teachings of Scripture and the message of God’s grace. The just shall live by faith!
