20. Therefore by “full remission of all penalties” the…
““20. Therefore by “full remission of all penalties” the pope means not actually “of all,” but only of those imposed by himself. 21. Therefore those preachers of indulgences are in error, who say that by the pope’s indulgences a man is freed from every penalty, and saved; 22. Whereas he remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to the canons, they would have had to pay in this life. 23. If it is at all possible to grant to any one the remission of all penalties whatsoever, it is certain that this remission can be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to the very fewest. 24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty. 25. The power which the pope has, in a general way, over purgatory, is just like the power which any bishop or curate has, in a special way, within his own diocese or parish. 26. The pope does well when he grants remission to souls [in purgatory], not by the power of the keys (which he does not possess), but by way of intercession.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Luther argues that papal indulgences cannot fully remit all penalties; only the most perfect can receive total remission, and the promise misleads many.
In simple terms: Papal indulgences are limited and often misleading.
Key Takeaway
Question the true scope of spiritual remission.
Themes
theology
church authority
indulgences
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal reflection
- historical study
- religious education
Key Concepts
Reformation
Catholic doctrine
salvation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect believers' trust in church authority?
- What are the implications for modern concepts of forgiveness?
A Different Perspective
The claim of universal remission is unrealistic and can foster false hope.