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Luther, a Man for His Time
77
lighted in the public squares, and declared that he “had received an
order from the pope to burn all heretics who presumed to oppose his
most holy indulgences.
Luther’s Work Begins
Luther’s voice was heard from the pulpit in solemn warning. He
set before the people the offensive character of sin and taught that it
is impossible for man by his own works to lessen its guilt or evade
its punishment. Nothing but repentance toward God and faith in
Christ can save the sinner. The grace of Christ cannot be purchased;
it is a free gift. He counseled the people not to buy indulgences, but
to look in faith to a crucified Redeemer. He related his own painful
experience and assured his hearers that it was by believing in Christ
that he found peace and joy.
As Tetzel continued his impious pretensions, Luther determined
upon a more effectual protest. The castle church of Wittenberg
possessed relics which on certain holy days were exhibited to the
people. Full remission of sins was granted to all who then visited
the church and made confession. One of the most important of
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these occasions, the festival of All Saints, was approaching. Luther,
joining the crowds already making their way to the church, posted on
its door ninety-five propositions against the doctrine of indulgences.
His propositions attracted universal attention. They were read
and repeated in every direction. Great excitement was created in the
whole city. By these theses it was shown that the power to grant
pardon of sin and to remit its penalty had never been committed to
the pope or any man. It was clearly shown that the grace of God is
freely bestowed on all who seek it by repentance and faith.
Luther’s theses spread through all Germany and in a few weeks
had sounded throughout Europe. Many devoted Romanists read
the propositions with joy, recognizing in them the voice of God.
They felt that the Lord had set His hand to arrest the swelling tide
of corruption issuing from Rome. Princes and magistrates secretly
rejoiced that a check was to be put upon the arrogant power which
denied appeal from its decisions.
12
D’Aubigne, bk. 3, ch. 4.