Cited
The first hint of the movement that would become a protest against the decline of the central leadership of the Church in the late middle ages came with a little known character named Peter Waldo. His reading of the New Testament led him to the conviction that the Church leaders had lost their way, and in simplicity of life and message, he attempted to call it back to its New Testament moorings. His followers, the Waldensians, persisted for centuries as a persecuted sect in Europe, but with unfailing vigilance the small group of maintained their devotion to Christ and the purity of the gospel message as they understood it. For more free resources, please visit www.brucegore.com.
I especially relate to Mr. Gore's comments in his introductory:
(Paraphrased)
The problem when the Pope becomes a King.
This led to promises, for example, that participation in the crusades to the Holy Land, would earn forgiveness of sins.
Gore is not blatantly anti-Roman Catholic, but states that this theology is an historical embarrassment for the Roman Catholic Church.
Indeed, this ancient theology demonstrates heretical, politicized theology.
Yes, the Church is a vehicle of imputing God's forgiveness, but atonement should always be biblical and never political.
In the New Testament sins are forgiven as the triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) implements a plan of atonement for human sin through the death and resurrection of the incarnated God the Son, Jesus Christ. This salvific work is applied to chosen, believers by grace through faith through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. (See the Gospels, Romans, Galatians, Titus, Hebrews, as examples).
Titus 3: 4-7 New American Standard Bible
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs [a]according to the hope of eternal life.
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