Martin Luther's other theses, Heidelberg Theses of 1518, propelled Reformation forward

On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses at the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. These theses were never debated following their posting, so they never gained much influence. Many have a basic understanding of Luther's theology and the 95 Theses. The theology and history of the Reformation is beneficial in order to understand that this was not a rebellion or de-formation of the church catholic, but a purifying of doctrine to conform it to scripture. In fact, tomorrow is known as Reformation Sunday, when attention is drawn to the great changes in the church that occurred after 1517.

Have you heard of the Heidelberg Theses of 1518?These theses of Luther were more influential and were seriously debated, resulting in a profound impact on the church catholic. Martin Bucer, who influenced Calvin and other reformers, was present, and this disputation ignited the fires of the Reformation.

Following Luther's proposal for a disputation on the subject of indulgences, paying the church for a time reduction in purgatory, the Augustinian Order, to which Luther belonged, was supportive of his views. Johannes Staupitz, Luther's father confessor, called for a disputation to be attended by the leadership of the order, in which Luther would be provided a chance to express his concern. Luther was bothered by his sins and would confess these sins, with the comfort of the forgiveness in Christ spoken by Staupitz, who took pity upon Luther.

The disputation took place at the meeting of the order in April 1518 in Heidelberg, hence, "Heidelberg Theses." Luther's opponents hoped that Luther would be silenced, but Staupitz wanted to give Luther a fair hearing. Here, Luther put forward a "theology of the cross" as opposed to a "theology of glory." The disputation advanced Luther's realization that the theology of late Medieval Roman Catholicism was at odds with the Bible. The theses can be divided into four sections that deal with good works and human sin, the problem of the human will, the way of glory versus the way of the cross, and God's work in believers.

Luther says, "The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance man on his way to righteousness, but rather hinders him." This means that God's commandments, while good and attractive, cannot save us or justify us. The law impedes us because we try so hard to keep it, but fail miserably.

Again, "Free will, after the fall, exists in name only, and as long as it does what it is able to do, it commits a mortal sin."Man does not have free will in spiritual matters and is only free to sin.

And, "He deserves to be called a theologian, however, who comprehends the visible and manifest things of God seen through suffering and the cross." Only through Christ's suffering and death on the cross can we learn the nature of our God in securing our forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Finally, "He is not righteous who does much, but he who, without work, believes much in Christ." Try as we will, our only peace with God is through trust in Christ, and the Lord sees that we are but humble instruments of the love of God to work in this world.

In paradoxes, Luther speaks to us today in these theses. He clears theological ground with simple, direct assertions of truth, we see true theology in a different light, and we thank God for the clarity of Luther and his influence on the church. For the followers of Luther and the Reformation, it was these theses that propelled the Reformation forward. They have significance for us today, as we forsake our pride and works, and trust in the merits of Christ alone for salvation. God's justice is now satisfied in Christ and credited to us by faith alone.

Read and ponder the significance of the Heidelberg Theses, come to Bible class, read and study scripture, sing and pray the liturgy and hymnody of the church, and the Holy Spirit will cause you to learn and grow in the wisdom of the cross of Christ. Suffering in this world, despairing of your good works, and trusting in Christ alone as you receive his forgiveness, life and salvation in word and sacrament are the way of scripture.

The way of the world, flesh, and Satan is the path of glory. This path entertains, tickles ears, and pleases man. The theology of glory is appealing and seems to make sense, but does not save.

The way of the church, the Holy Spirit, and Christ Jesus is the theology of the cross. This theology is made known in faithful preaching, sacramental reception, careful teaching, and historic liturgy and hymnody, as we live as theologians of the cross, living and dying in Christ, and trusting in Christ alone.

Have you heard of the Heidelberg Theses of 1518? These theses of Luther were more influential and were seriously debated, resulting in a profound impact on the church catholic. Martin Bucer, who influenced Calvin and other reformers, was present, and this disputation ignited the fires of the Reformation....The theses can be divided into four sections that deal with good works and human sin, the problem of the human will, the way of glory versus the way of the cross, and God's work in believers.
Luther says, "The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance man on his way to righteousness, but rather hinders him." This means that God's commandments, while good and attractive, cannot save us or justify us. The law impedes us because we try so hard to keep it, but fail miserably.
Again, "Free will, after the fall, exists in name only, and as long as it does what it is able to do, it commits a mortal sin. "Man does not have free will in spiritual matters and is only free to sin."
And, "He deserves to be called a theologian, however, who comprehends the visible and manifest things of God seen through suffering and the cross." Only through Christ's suffering and death on the cross can we learn the nature of our God in securing our forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Finally, "He is not righteous who does much, but he who, without work, believes much in Christ." Try as we will, our only peace with God is through trust in Christ, and the Lord sees that we are but humble instruments of the love of God to work in this world.

***Laughable - since Luther ripped 7 books out of the Bible.***

Even JEROME did not want to put the Apocrypha in his translation but was ordered to do so by the Pope.

New Testament Books Luther did not want...

These books were never considered scripture by the early church. All Christians settled on the following books as scripture as there were too many false gospels floating around at that time.

The four Gospels.
Acts.
The letters of Paul except Hebrews.
1Peter.
1 John.

And that was it.

The reason the others were not included was...

Hebrews, uncertain authorship. I love this book!

James. Appeared to contradict Paul and was considered an “epistle of straw”.

2 Peter. Sounds different from the authorship of 1Peter.

2&3 John. Considered private correspondence.

Jude. Mentions a verse from Enoch.

Revelation (Apocalypse) Uncertain authorship and fantasy.

Several hundred years later these books were added, but there was a problem with Revelation and Hebrews.

The Greek Church wanted Hebrews, but not Revelation.

The Latin Church wanted Revelation but not Hebrews.

So they compromised and put both books in. Even today Revelation is not read in Greek churches.

At least they kept THE SHEPHERD OF HERMAS out!

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