Wednesday, October 24, 2007
1 Timothy 6:3-6 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
FORERUNNERS OF THE REFORMATION: JOHN HUSS (1369-1415)
In 1411 two Popes were claiming leadership in the church. Pope Gregory XII and Pope John XXIII. Today, the Catholic church only recognizes the first as a real pope.
In 1411, Pope John XXIII was at war with Naples, Italy. In order to raise money for this war, he authorized the selling of "plenary indulgences." These slips of paper claimed that some of the "extra" good deeds done by Christians now dead had been transmitted to the record of the person purchasing them and would therefore lessen one's suffering in "purgatory."
John Huss, a priest working in Prague, protested the selling of indulgences. So did many of the students of the University. Three students were detained and beheaded in secret because of their opposition to indulgences. These murders enraged the people, but their anger didn't stop the Pope from excommunicating Huss and placing Prague under the "interdict." This meant that no clergy of that city could perform the regular "sin-cleansing acts," such as Baptism, Holy Communion, or the pronouncing of absolution upon those who had made confession of their sins.
Many religious leaders of our time still preach lies in order fill their bank accounts. But their false teachings cannot give true peace or forgiveness.
True forgiveness does not come with a price tag. It cannot be purchased with any currency minted by man. Nor can forgiveness be secured with the imaginary currency of "extra" good works done by Christians of the past.
Our forgiveness was purchased by Jesus' sinless life and innocent death and made ours through faith. You see, the church does exists to make men rich -- spiritually rich in Christ Jesus our Lord.
