The 95 Theses

Repentance

The action of feeling sorry for and seeking forgiveness for one's sins.

Inner Repentance

A heartfelt regret and repentance that is genuine but requires outward action to be effective.

Penance

A sacrament of confession and satisfaction administered by clergy to absolve sin.

Plenary Remission

The complete forgiveness of all penalties for sin, as purportedly granted by the pope.

Indulgence

A grant by the Church that is believed to reduce punishment for sins.

Contrition

The state of being remorseful for one's sins, necessary for true repentance.

Canonical Penalties

Church-imposed consequences that a person must face for their sins.

Purgatory

A state of purification after death for those who die in a state of grace but still need to be purified before entering heaven.

True Treasures of the Church

The most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God, contrasted with temporal treasures like indulgences.

Pope's Authority

The power held by the pope to grant remission or absolution from sin and its penalties.

Faith and Works

The belief that both faith in God and good works are necessary for salvation.

Avarice

Greed; excessive desire for wealth or gain, linked to the concept of buying indulgences.

Fear of God

A reverential respect for God that should not be diminished by the false security provided by indulgences.

Merit

The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially to deserve praise or reward.

Blessings of the Church

The spiritual benefits and graces bestowed upon individuals as sanctioned by the Church.

False Security

An unfounded sense of safety, particularly regarding one's spiritual state when relying solely on indulgences.

Living and Dead Christians

The belief that both those alive and those who have passed share in the blessings of Christ and the Church.

Consolation of the Gospel

The comfort and hope provided to believers through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Love and Good Works

The idea that genuine love should manifest in acts of charity and kindness, not reliance on indulgences.

Self-Hatred

The rejection of one's sinful nature that must precede true inner repentance.

Papal Indulgence Preachers

Individuals who promote the purchase of indulgences, often criticized for misleading believers.

Treasures of the Gospel vs. Treasures of Indulgences

The contrast between the spiritual value of the Gospel and the materialistic approach of selling indulgences.

Spiritual Powers and Gifts

The various forms of grace and assistance believed to be granted to the faithful by God.

Benediction of Souls in Purgatory

The act of praying for or memorializing those souls undergoing purification.

Merits of Christ and Saints

The spiritual benefits believed to be at the disposal of the Church for the forgiveness of sins.

True Christian Love

The genuine love for others that involves caring for their needs, superior to the act of purchasing indulgences.