Reformation Hammer Blows

When Martin Luther posted his 95 Thesis for debate he sparked the Protestant Reformation. His first hammer blows were against the sale of indulgences and theology of a treasury of merit composed of the extra merit saints had above what they needed to enter heaven. Such treasure was available to the Pope and the Roman church to dispense to others via prayers and holy actions and good deeds especially for money to help build Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. He presents it as a grand money scheme! Luther had begun his growth into a better understanding of the righteousness of God made available to people by faith alone in Jesus Christ without any merit of the recipient. Luther wrote: The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God. and in Heidelberg the next year he wrote- He is not righteous who does much, but he who without work, believes much in Christ.