The introduction to and the first of Luther's 95 Theses:
"Out of love for the truth and from desire to elucidate it, the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology, and ordinary lecturer therein at Wittenberg, intends to defend the following statements and to dispute on them in that place. Therefore he asks that those who cannot be present and dispute with him orally shall do so in their absence by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in saying, 'Repent ye,' etc., intended that the whole life of his believers on earth should be a constant penance."
Luther first sent the theses to Albert of Brandenburg, the Archbishop of Mainz. Many may not know it, but it is most likely that Luther not only put the 95 theses on the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, but on each of the other church buildings in the town; this was a custom with universities of the time. The theses were reprinted almost immediately and began what has been called, "a pamphlet war."
Some people don't like Luther, mostly because of his latter years' rant against the Jews. But I don't need to tell you that every great person in history, from generals to presidents, to church leaders had flaws, you know, just like you and me. Like it or not, Luther ignited something which had been simmering beneath the surface, and some above the surface, for centuries, e.g., Wycliffe, Hus, etc. You and I should be thankful that these great men of, "the faith of Jesus," had the courage to face ridicule, ostracizing, persecution, and in some cases, even death for the Truth, Jesus Christ and His Words. Here is a fundamental theme of the 95 Theses in Luther's own words:
"The revenues of all Christendom are being sucked into the insatiable basilica (they started building it in 1506)....First of all, we should rear living temples, not local churches, and only last of all St Peter's....Why doesn't the pope build the basilica of St. Peter's out of his own money?...He would do better to sell St. Peter's and give the money to the poor folk who are being fleeced by the hawkers of indulgences....
"Papal indulgences do not remove guilt. Beware of those who say that indulgences effect reconciliation with God." Of course we know that the main "theme" of Luther's conversion as well as his post conversion preaching was, "The just shall live by faith." And so too shall you and I.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
