True or false? On Oct. 30, 1517, Martin Luther went to sleep with the overall faith of a Roman Catholic and woke up on Oct. 31, 1517, with the overall faith of what would be known as a Lutheran.

False. The change in Martin Luther’s beliefs in all areas of the Christian faith did not happen overnight.

Oct. 31, 1517, was the day Luther nailed the Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The theses were statements that Luther wished to debate with church theologians.

You might be surprised to know what some of those theses stated. For example:

17. It seems as though for the souls in purgatory fear should necessarily decrease and love increase.

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.

41. Papal indulgences must be preached with caution, lest people erroneously think that they are preferable to other good works of love.

47. Christians are to be taught that the buying of indulgences is a matter of free choice, not commanded.

You notice that Luther had not outright rejected purgatory and indulgences at the time he posted the Ninety-five Theses. That rejection would eventually take place.

What accounted for Luther’s gradual differentiation between biblical truth and false doctrine? Keep in mind that Luther didn’t have the opportunity to read the Bible until he entered a monastery in 1505 at the age of 21. Up until then, he was dependent on priests and teachers who told him what the Bible taught. Also, when he read the writings of church theologians, he came across arguments for the validity of purgatory and indulgences.

So what does all this mean? It means that understanding all the Bible’s teachings and believing them through the work and power of the Holy Spirit does not happen overnight. That explains why the Bible instructs: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). God wants people to understand his Word more.

Last month’s issue included a story about four called workers who have fully embraced continuing education. They set good, practical examples of being lifelong learners.

But it is not just called workers who have reason to be lifelong learners. That is a fitting description for all Christians and their usage of God’s Word. Unlike a novel that you can read once and understand everything, the Bible is a book that requires ongoing attention. There is always more to grasp, more to comprehend, more to apply.

Even more than increasing their knowledge of Scripture, Christians have this reason to immerse themselves in God’s Word: They know the Holy Spirit works through it to deepen their faith in Christ and develop Christian attributes.

Yes, the Ninety-five Theses reveal that the Reformer had room for growth in his understanding of the Bible. But one of his theses especially illustrates that Luther understood there was something more precious than all the money the indulgences were raising for the construction of St. Peter’s in Rome.

62. The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.

God’s Word is precious. It directs our attention to Jesus, our Savior. That is why we are students of the Word all our lives.

Author: James Pope
Volume 111, Number 10
Issue: October 2024