Luther and justification

[TheAdvocate]

When the Joint Declaration was signed in 1998, didn’t that essentially prove that Lutherans (even Luther himself) and Catholics misunderstood each other 400 years ago on justification? Namely, Catholics were under the extreme impression that Lutheranism taught that once justified, you can commit adultery and murder again and again and still be in God’s good graces, while Lutherans thought that Catholics taught that heaven is something you earn.

But what about Luther himself? Did he hold such any of these views? What did Catholics say or do to imply that they were “earning” their way into heaven?

 

[Mikeoffaith]

When the Joint Declaration was signed in 1998, didn’t that essentially prove that Lutherans (even Luther himself) and Catholics misunderstood each other 400 years ago on justification? Namely, Catholics were under the extreme impression that Lutheranism taught that once justified, you can commit adultery and murder again and again and still be in God’s good graces, while Lutherans thought that Catholics taught that heaven is something you earn.

But what about Luther himself? Did he hold such any of these views? What did Catholics say or do to imply that they were “earning” their way into heaven?

The declaration was actually signed on Reformation Day 1999, but I think the basics of the document is that our basic understanding of justification does not differ significantly enough to get papal panties in a bunch or for Melanchthon to get so hot under his Geneva preaching tabs. However there are enough differences on some issues that will keep us separate until we can resolve them or come to greater understanding.

Mike