The 95 Theses: A Triumph of the Gospel

Abstract

In “The Ninety-Five Theses: A Triumph of the Gospel,” Dr. Siegbert Becker explores how Martin Luther’s 1517 theses, though not a full confession of faith, marked a decisive shift toward the authority of Scripture and the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. Becker acknowledges that Luther had not yet fully broken from Roman Catholic theology but emphasizes how the theses already reflected a growing reliance on the Word of God over papal or conciliar authority. Drawing extensively from Luther’s 1518 Explanation of the Theses, Becker shows how Luther’s rejection of indulgences was rooted in his conviction that forgiveness comes through faith in Christ’s promises, not human merit or ecclesiastical pronouncements. The essay highlights Luther’s emerging understanding of objective justification and the Gospel’s power to bring peace to troubled consciences. Becker concludes that the Theses were a foundational triumph of the Gospel over works-righteousness. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)