It was the beginning of the long slide into the dark abyss that we see in protestantism today.
After all, if Luther can claim that he need only follow his conscience, then Luther’s followers can do the same, and so naturally the non-stop “reformation” began, creating millions of popes - each man his own.
You nailed it...also, Calvinism leads to atheism...see Holland, England...New England...they flop to Unitarianism, then chuck it all.
Ever see the “reformed” go at each other? It is something....watch a 4-pointer try to prove he’s really a Calvinist and not an Amyraldian or whatever....
They have “versions” of Calvinism based on supralapsarian, infralapsarian philosophy....the only model that is consistent is the supra-lapsarian one where God elects befor the Fall...creates evil, all of it...and presets outcomes...pleads with predestined damned souls to love him...it is ridiculous.
Most protestants are 3-4 points on the TULIP scale which is completely illogical...you are either 5 points or none. God electing after the Fall means God is finite and learning as he goes.
Protestantism is not another means by which it is possible to please God...note what I said...I did not say Protestants are going to Hell...I just say their self - styled methods, multiplying sects and approaches...are not pleasing to God
Luther presupposed that God renews the conscience of those who are His.
"I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost" -- Romans 9:1
Roman Catholics don't read the bible so it's understandable they would not know this fact.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" -- Titus 3:5
Did he really claim that?
then Luther’s followers can do the same
That's what you get when you follow men, like Catholics do.
When you compare your life to Scripture and the standards set therein, you see whether your life matches up to God's standards or not and don't depend on feelings. The conscience can be deceitful. God's word never changes.
and so naturally the non-stop “reformation” began, creating millions of popes - each man his own.
It is simply beyond the comprehension of Catholics that people don't blindly follow other men. They have this *pope* mentality that they don't realize others don't have.
We follow Christ, not any man who sets up himself as such or is elected by another group of men. The old boy network is alive and well.