Did the Roman Catholic Church Ever Repent of the “Buying Penance,” False Teaching?

Introduction

I was thinking about the Roman Catholic doctrine of buying penance and how completely against Scripture it is, especially when we understand that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something to be bought or earned. This practice, which became widespread in the late Middle Ages, prompted the Reformation and the exposure of many abuses within the Church. This led me to wonder: Did the Catholic Church ever repent of this teaching and its related practices?

Narrative Context

The sale of indulgences was a major issue in the medieval Church. An indulgence was believed to reduce the temporal punishment for sins, either for oneself or for deceased loved ones, who were thought to be in purgatory. The concept was based on the idea that even after sins are forgiven, their temporal effects must still be addressed, often through penance or suffering.

This practice became especially controversial in the 15th and 16th centuries when indulgences were sold to raise money, most notably for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was this blatant commercialization of spiritual matters that provoked Martin Luther to post his 95 Theses in 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation. His critique focused on the biblical teaching that salvation is a free gift from God, not something that can be purchased or earned.

The Catholic Church responded to these criticisms by convening the Council of Trent (1545-1563). While the council reaffirmed the legitimacy of indulgences, it condemned the abuses associated with their sale. The Church clarified that indulgences could not forgive sins or replace the need for genuine repentance and confession but should be understood within the broader context of penance and spiritual growth.

Scriptural Foundations

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation and forgiveness are gifts of grace, not things that can be earned or bought:

Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.”

Explanation:
This verse underscores that salvation is entirely a gift from God, not something that can be earned through human effort, good deeds, or financial contributions. This directly challenges the idea that indulgences could play any role in securing one’s salvation or reducing punishment for sin.

Romans 3:24-25 (WEB)

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“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Messiah Jesus, whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness.”

Explanation:
Paul emphasizes that justification and redemption are freely given through Jesus the Messiah’s atoning sacrifice. There is no need for additional acts or payments to secure God’s favor or forgiveness, as the work of salvation is complete in Jesus.

1 John 1:9 (WEB)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Explanation:
Forgiveness is based on sincere confession and repentance. It is God who cleanses us from all unrighteousness, not any human practice or payment. This reinforces the personal nature of God’s forgiveness, which contrasts with the transactional nature of indulgences.

Perspectives from Others

1. Traditional Catholic View:
   The Catholic Church, through the Council of Trent, upheld the practice of indulgences but condemned the abuses. The Church teaches that indulgences apply the merits of Jesus and the saints to reduce temporal punishment for sin. They are not a substitute for genuine repentance and confession but are intended to encourage spiritual growth.
2. Protestant Perspective:
   Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin rejected the concept of indulgences, arguing that it undermined the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice. They believed indulgences created a false sense of security and were contrary to the biblical teaching of salvation by grace alone.
3. Modern Catholic Position:
   Today, the Catholic Church continues to offer indulgences but with strict guidelines to prevent abuse. Indulgences are framed as acts of devotion, charity, or prayer that can help believers grow spiritually and support their journey of purification. The Church now emphasizes that indulgences cannot be “bought” and must be accompanied by sincere repentance and faith.

Identifying Misunderstandings

Misunderstanding: Indulgences Forgive Sins

Indulgences do not forgive sins or replace the need for confession. According to Catholic teaching today they reduce the temporal punishment for sins already forgiven. This is a significant theological distinction that has often been misunderstood. Yet it doesn’t prove its truth as there are always consequences to sin, and no spiritual practice will for example prevent a murderer going to prison or even being executed by the death penalty. However that doesn’t mean God condemns this person. As long as he/she is alive there is an opportunity for them to make Jesus their Lord and Master, which is the only way to be saved and remain with Him on the new earth after the resurrection.

Misunderstanding: Indulgences Can Be Bought

The sale of indulgences was an abuse, not the intended teaching of the Church. Today, indulgences cannot be bought, and the Church condemns any form of commercial transaction related to spiritual practices.

Misunderstanding: Indulgences Guarantee Salvation

Indulgences do not guarantee salvation or bypass the need for a life of faith and obedience to God. According to Catholics they are meant to support the process of purification, not to replace genuine conversion or faithfulness.

Relevance and Application for You

Trust in God’s Grace Alone

God’s grace is sufficient for all your needs. You don’t need to earn His favor or try to “buy” forgiveness through any means. Rest in the assurance that your salvation is secure through faith in Jesus.

Discernment in Faith Practices

Be mindful of religious practices that suggest you can earn or pay for God’s favor. Always remember that Scripture teaches a relationship with God based on love and grace, not transactions.

Focus on Relationship Over Ritual

Embrace a personal relationship with God that is marked by repentance, confession, and faith. While traditions and rituals can be valuable, they should never overshadow the heart of the Gospel, which is a free and loving relationship with God through Jesus.

Encouragement and Conclusion

The issue of indulgences, both historically and today, reminds us of the profound truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone. While the Catholic Church has made efforts to correct the abuses of the past, it is vital for all believers to keep their eyes fixed on the core message of the Gospel: we are saved not by works, payments, or rituals, but by the loving grace of God. May this truth inspire you to live in the freedom and joy of knowing that your relationship with God is not based on what you can do for Him but on what He has already done for you through Jesus the Messiah. Trust in His grace, walk in His love, and be a light to others who seek the truth of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.