95 Days with the 95 Theses (Days 24-40)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

(Since I will be in Europe for a Reformation 500 trip with others from Bethel, I will be sharing Theses 24- 40 here in one space. For the previous theses, see this same blog. As previously mentioned, I am using Martin Luther's 95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide by Timothy Wengert.)

24. For this reason most people are necessarily deceived by that indiscriminate and high-sounding promise of release from penalty.

25. That power which the pope has in general over purgatory corresponds to the power which any bishop or curate has in a particular way in his own diocese and parish.

26. The pope does very well when he grants remission to souls in purgatory, not by the power of the keys, which he does not have, but by way of intercession for them.

27. They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of purgatory.

28. It is certain that when money clinks in the money chest, greed and avarice can be increased; but when the church intercedes, the result is in the hands of God alone.

29. Who knows whether all souls in purgatory wish to be redeemed, since we have exceptions in St. Severinus and St. Paschal, as related in a legend.

30. No one is sure of the integrity of his own contrition, much less of having received plenary remission.

31. The man who actually buys indulgences is as rare as he who is really penitent; indeed, he is exceedingly rare.

32. Those who believe that they can be certain of their salvation because they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned, together with their teachers.

33. Men must especially be on guard against those who say that the pope's pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to him.

34. For the graces of indulgences are concerned only with the penalties of sacramental satisfaction established by man.

35. They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessional privileges preach unchristian doctrine.

36. Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.

37. Any true Christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of Christ and the church; and this is granted him by God, even without indulgence letters.

38. Nevertheless, papal remission and blessing are by no means to be disregarded, for they are, as I have said (Thesis 6), the proclamation of the divine remission.

39. It is very difficult, even for the most learned theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the bounty of indulgences and the need of true contrition.

40. A Christian who is truly contrite seeks and loves to pay penalties for his sins; the bounty of indulgences, however, relaxes penalties and causes men to hate them -- at least it furnishes occasion for hating them.


In these theses, Luther argues compellingly that a truly penitent heart and trusting heart is what ultimately matters to God.  At the end, in theses 36-37, he makes this salient point well.  Additionally, in theses 39-40, Luther counters the validity of indulgence preaching because in their very offering, they nullify the cross of Christ.  And for Luther, this is the true issue with indulgences, indulgence preaching, and the way that the pope uses them.  They alleviate the need for Christ!  The power of salvation becomes something that we can affect with money and something the Church grants on a whim.  And this, for Luther, cannot and will not stand.  In Christ alone, we are saved.  In Christ alone, we are forgiven.  In Christ, alone we trust and find our hope. 

A Prayer of Martin Luther

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.

   I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.

   I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.

I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether.

   O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.

   In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.

   I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.

   I am a sinner; you are upright.

With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.

Therefore I will will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. 

Amen

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 23)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

23. If any remission of all penalties whatsoever could be granted to anyone, it would certainly be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to the very fewest.

Luther acknowledges the strained logic of remitting sins of those who have already died, suggesting that only the "very best" would even be in the conversation.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

Lord Jesus, help us find a way to love others as you love us all. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 22)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

22. On the contrary, to souls in purgatory he remits no penalty that they should have paid in this life according to canon law.

Luther continues his argument against the pope's authority in non-temporal matters.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

Lord Jesus, you make us whole and you lead us home. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 21)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

21. And so, those indulgence preachers err who say that through the pope's indulgences a person is released and saved form every penalty.

This concludes Luther's argument (Theses 6-19) and begins his condemnation of indulgence preachers.  It also reiterates his point in thesis 5 that the pope can only remit those penalties that he charges in his temporal role.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide" during these devotions.

Lord Jesus, may we find our strength and hope, not in worldly leaders, but in you. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 20)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

20. Therefore, the pope understands by the phrase "plenary remission of all penalties" not actually "all penalties" but only "penalties imposed by himself."

This leads to his "And so" statement challenging the indulgence preachers tomorrow.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

Lord Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life for all who seek your wisdom and grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 19)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

19.  ... nor does it seem to be proved that these souls, at least not all of them, are certain and assured of their own salvation -- even though we ourselves are completely certain about their destiny.

Again, Luther makes the argument that, under the doctrine of purgatory, He believes the soul is active.  This will come into play in the next thesis where he challenges the Pope's authority.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

Lord Jesus, make us ever mindful of your love for us and for all. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 18)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

18.  It neither seems proved -- either by any logical arguments or by Scripture -- that souls in purgatory are outside a state of merit, that is, unable to grow in love;

Here Luther continues his argument in stating the soul is "active" in purgatory, as opposed to those who thought the soul was "passive."

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

Lord Jesus, remind us of your grace in a surprising way today. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 17)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

17. It seems necessary that, for souls in purgatory, as the horror decreases so love increases.

After defining Hell as "despair", Purgatory as "near despair", and Heaven as "assurance", Luther argues here that in this understanding, one slowly moves from a place of "near despair" to one of "assurance" as one works their way through the state of existence known as Purgatory.  He will explore this a bit more in the next two theses. 

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource. 

Lord Jesus, help us have "assurance" in the promise you've given in our baptism. Amen. 

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 16)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

16. Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven seem to differ as perfect despair, imperfect despair, and security of salvation differ.  

The breakdown of each of the "areas" of the afterlife.  Luther will challenge these notions as part of his unequivocal trust in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ ALONE for salvation.

Lord Jesus, keep us confident that our sin is washed away through our baptism, our repentance, our faith, and your amazing mercy and grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 15)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

15. This fear and horror - to say nothing of other things - are sufficient in themselves to produce the punishment of Purgatory, because they approximate to the horror of despair.   

Here, Luther is arguing that the uncertainty at the time of death can be a place of true fear that may lead one to find their hope only in Christ and the promise of baptism.  He will go on to argue that this is why the concept of purgatory is unnecessary.

Lord Jesus, keep us confident that our sin is washed away through our baptism, our repentance, our faith, and your amazing mercy and grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 14)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

14. Imperfect spiritual health or love in the dying person necessarily brings with it great fear; and the less this love is, the greater the fear it brings.

Luther is acknowledging that at death there is great fear and uncertainty, even for the most faithful, but especially for those less so.  Because of this reality of fear, Luther will argue that it is enough, there is no need for purgatory, to move one into a posture of faith.

Lord Jesus, keep us confident that our sin is washed away through our baptism, our repentance, our faith, and your amazing mercy and grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 13)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

13. The dying pay all penalties by their death, are already dead to the canons, and rightly have exemption from them.

This one, like #12, is again a challenge to the concept of purgatory.  Luther would have argued that after death there is either Heaven or Hell, there is no purgatory.  This is an important challenge because it gets at the heart of his argument against indulgences.     

Lord Jesus, keep us confident that our sin is washed away through our baptism, our repentance, our faith, and your amazing mercy and grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 12)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

12. Formerly, canonical penalties were imposed not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.

This one is again a challenge to the concept of purgatory, where people had to "work off" sins before entering Heaven.  An interesting concept to be sure, it was at the heart of the Luther's challenge to indulgences, because without purgatory, there was no need for indulgences.   

Lord Jesus, keep us confident that our sin is washed away through our baptism, our repentance, our faith, and your amazing mercy and grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 11)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

11. This changing of the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory is quite evidently one of the [weeds] that were sown while the bishops slept.

This theses recounts the words of Matthew 13:25 ("... while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away").  Luther is suggesting that the purgatory is a false teaching that seeks simply to keep people in their sins.  

Lord Jesus, keep us confident that our sin is washed away through our baptism, our repentance, our faith, and your amazing mercy and grace. Amen.

95 Days with 95 Theses (Day 10)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt except by declaring, and confirming, its remission by God or, of course, by remitting guilt in [legal] cases reserved to himself.  In showing contempt regarding such cases, the guilt would certainly remain. 

7. God remits guilt of absolutely no one unless at the same time God subjects in all things the one humbled to God's vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons were imposed only on the living, and, according to the canons themselves, nothing should be imposed on those about to die.

9. Accordingly, the Holy Spirit, through the pope acts in a kindly manner toward us in papal decrees by always exempting the moment of death and the case of necessity.

10. Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory.

Luther begins an argument regarding priests using purgatory as a way to impose penances.  This, in effect, is an argument against indulgences.  You can see again how Luther is beginning a systematic and academic argument against indulgences.

Lord, help us to find hope amidst uncertainty and blessings amidst struggle. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 9)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt except by declaring, and confirming, its remission by God or, of course, by remitting guilt in [legal] cases reserved to himself.  In showing contempt regarding such cases, the guilt would certainly remain. 

7. God remits guilt of absolutely no one unless at the same time God subjects in all things the one humbled to God's vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons were imposed only on the living, and, according to the canons themselves, nothing should be imposed on those about to die.

9. Accordingly, the Holy Spirit, through the pope acts in a kindly manner toward us in papal decrees by always exempting the moment of death and the case of necessity.

Again, Luther reiterates his argument that since, on our deathbed, we are exempt from "necessities" of penance, they are not related to salvation.  Why?  Because, ultimately, what we do cannot and will not save us.

Lord Jesus, may we recognize that it is your grace alone that saves. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 8)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt except by declaring, and confirming, its remission by God or, of course, by remitting guilt in [legal] cases reserved to himself.  In showing contempt regarding such cases, the guilt would certainly remain. 

7. God remits guilt of absolutely no one unless at the same time God subjects in all things the one humbled to God's vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons were imposed only on the living, and, according to the canons themselves, nothing should be imposed on those about to die.

These "canons" were used to reconcile flagrant sinners to the church.  There is always a place for these in such situations and as a part of one's piety.  Luther will be arguing however that they do not and can not have any relevance to one's eternal salvation.  

What are the acts of penitence that you have done in your life? How have they brought you closer to Jesus?

Lord, we do acts of penance so as to be reminded ultimately of your amazing grace. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 7)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt except by declaring, and confirming, its remission by God or, of course, by remitting guilt in [legal] cases reserved to himself.  In showing contempt regarding such cases, the guilt would certainly remain. 

7. God remits the guilt of absolutely no one unless at the same time God subjects in all things the one humbled to God's vicar, the priest.

Luther emphasizes that God is the actor who works salvation and absolution.  As my seminary professor, Dr. Tom Ridenhour would say, "God is the subject of active verbs."  Any word of absolution or forgiveness, given by a person in religious authority, comes only by God's power and not via the person.

Lord God, you redeem, you save, you chastise, you forgive, you reconcile, you challenge, and you change us. Thank you! Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 6)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt except by declaring, and confirming, its remission by God or, of course, by remitting guilt in [legal] cases reserved to himself.  In showing contempt regarding such cases, the guilt would certainly remain. 

At Luther's time, the priests announced God's forgiveness.  In the case of something really horrible, only the Pope was allowed to announce forgiveness. Again, Luther is making the argument that the role of "true" forgiveness comes from God alone.

Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving us and for absolving us amidst our penitence. Amen. 

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 5)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own discretion or that of the canons.

From Wengert's notes (pg. 14),

"Thesis 5 states Luther's central premise.  Old church law had specified that penalties for sin be imposed before absolution was administered and were part of church discipline.  Hence, Luther argues that the church could show leniency, or indulgence, only in regard to these ecclesiastical penalties, not God's punishment ... The phrase 'by his discretion or that of the canons' was a technical term describing how a priest in confession would first see if the sin in question had a penalty prescribed in the penitential canons and, if not, could use his discretion." 

Lord Jesus, help me to be a willing confessor of my sin and a generous in my offering of forgiveness. Amen.

95 Days with the 95 Theses (Day 4)

The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated this year, 2017.  Why? Because historians acknowledge and date the beginning of the Reformation to October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 

Over the next couple of months, each day, I will offer a single theses for rumination and consideration.  To be sure, some will be less invigorating that others. Still, if you follow along, you will cover each of them over the next 95 days.

Please note that I will be using Timothy Wengert's "95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide." If you don't have a copy, pick one up, it is an excellent resource.

[The Ninety-Five Theses or] Disputation for Clarifying the Power of Indulgences

Out of love and zeal for bringing truth to light, what is written below will be debated in Wittenberg with the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology and regularly appointed lecturer on these subjects at that place, presiding.  Therefore, he requests that those who cannot be present to discuss orally with us will in their absence do so by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in saying "Do penance ...," wanted the entire life of the faithful to be one of penitence.

2. This phrase cannot be understood as referring to sacramental Penance, that is, confession and satisfaction as administered by the clergy.

3. Yet it does not mean solely inner penitence -- indeed such inner penitence is nothing unless it outwardly produces various mortification of the flesh.

4. And thus, penalty remains as long as hatred of self (that is, true inner penitence) remains, namely, until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

At the heart of these first 4 theses is that brokenness and sin are the natural order of life and living.  We are sinful, even when we are contrite, as long as we are alive.  This is the reality of being "sinners".  It is less a description of activity as it is a state of being.

Therefore, a penitent life is, first and foremost, an acknowledgement of this reality.  Yet, the good news is that while we are sinners, hope remains in Christ.

Lord Jesus, amidst my sin, help me to seek Christ. Amen.