Therefore all hypocrites and idolaters try to do the works that properly pertain to the Deity and belong completely and solely to Christ. They do not actually say with their mouths: “I am God; I am Christ.” Yet in fact they arrogate to themselves the divinity of Christ and His function. In fact, then, they do say: “I am Christ. I am the Savior—not only my own but for others as well.” Thus the monks have taught, and they have persuaded the whole world of this, that they are able to justify not only themselves with their hypocritical sanctity but also others to whom they communicate it, even though it is the proper function of Christ alone to justify the sinner. Thus the pope, by extending his divinity over the whole world, has denied and completely suppressed the work of Christ and His divinity.
Martin Luther | Luther’s Works, Vol. 26: Lectures on Galatians, 1535, Chapters 1–4, ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald, and Helmut T. Lehmann, vol. 26 (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999), 258–259.
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Tony Phelps
Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.
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So true. May I never be guilty of this myself dear Lord!
What a world Luther lived in.
I was raised Catholic, and I remember they still talked about indulgences when I was growing up. I think they don’t emphasize that so much anymore, but regardless, I pray the Catholics of the world will have their eyes opened to the simplicity and truth of the gospel.
Perhaps less emphasized than in some times past, so I was surprised to hear the “call a grandma” plenary indulgence announced this year on Catholic radio. Just when I naively start to think the Unreformed church might be reforming, they reliably reach back into their old bag of tricks. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254731/vatican-offers-plenary-indulgence-for-third-annual-grandparents-day-this-month
David,
Yes, she has has never repented.
“An indulgence is defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as “a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.”
The usual conditions for a plenary indulgence require the individual to be in a state of grace, have complete detachment from sin, and pray for the pope’s intentions.
The person must also sacramentally confess their sins and receive Communion up to about 20 days before or after the prayers for the indulgence.“
I suddenly feel light-headed and dizzy, please excuse me.