Luther’s understanding of repentance challenged the idea and practice of repentance that the church encouraged and preached. He does not believe that he sacrament of penance is legitimate for a few reasons. Luther takes issue with any practice that is regarded by the church as a sacrament besides baptism and communion, and penance is no difference. Additionally, “the pope [or any other members of the clergy] neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own authority or that of the canons” (“Ninety-Five Theses” Luther, 5). Luther is very adamant that the church and its clergy hold too much power that only truly belongs to God. He argues that priests do not truly have the ability to absolve people of their sins because “[God] willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance” (“Ninety-Five Theses” Luther, 1). In addition to people needing to devote their life to repenting for their sins, Luther explains that repenting and the sacrament of penance are not the same thing. The Catholic church’s view of sin is that if one receives penance after confessing their sins, they are absolved of their sins. But, according to Luther’s 2nd Theses, they are not one in the same because God wants us to spend our lifetime seeking forgiveness for our sins.

The specific historical events that led Luther to raise questions about purgatory and indulgences was when Pope X decided that he needed to raise funds to complete Saint Peter’s Basilica in 1517. He then did so by selling indulgences to the people of the church. This allowed them to then skip purgatory and be admitted direct entrance into Heaven to receive salvation. People could also purchase indulgences for their departed loved ones so they may leave purgatory. Luther has strong views on indulgences; he explains that the papacy does not have that sort of authority to absolve sin and the like. Additionally, believing that one thing purchased with money will bring salvation is completely misinterpreting what God wants for us to do during our lives.

Luther’s ideas challenge the church’s claim to authority by revoking most of their power. After examining Scripture, he realizes that the people of the clergy are over stepping into the role of God. He explains that it is untrue that the clergy and people of the church have the authority to make promises such as entrance into salvation from purgatory. Activities such as this and the fact that most people cannot read the Bible for themselves to make their own conclusions, they have no way to combat the actions of the clergy. The papacy was infuriated by the theses and did all they could to get Luther to revoke them.