This is the belief that humans are saved from sin and eternal condemnation by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than by good works or human effort. This idea was central to Martin Luther's teachings and was a major point of contention with the Catholic Church, which held that faith and good works were both necessary for salvation.
2. The priesthood of all believers
This is the belief that all Christians are priests in the eyes of God and have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, without the need for a human mediator such as a priest or pope. This idea was also central to Luther's teachings and was another major point of contention with the Catholic Church, which held that only ordained priests could administer sacraments and perform other priestly functions.
3. The authority of Scripture
This is the belief that the Bible is the supreme authority in matters of faith and doctrine and that it is the sole source of truth for Christians. This idea was in contrast to the Catholic Church's teaching that the Pope and the Church's tradition were also authoritative sources of truth.
4. The right of private interpretation
This is the belief that each individual Christian has the right to interpret the Bible for themselves, without the need for a priest or other authority to interpret it for them. This idea was also in contrast to the Catholic Church's teaching that the Church was the sole authority to interpret the Bible.
5. The importance of preaching and teaching
This is the belief that the preaching of the gospel and the teaching of the Bible are essential for the spread of Christianity and for the growth of Christians in their faith. This idea was in contrast to the Catholic Church's emphasis on ritual and ceremony.
6. The separation of church and state
This is the belief that the church and the state should be separate entities and that the church should not interfere in political matters. This idea was in contrast to the Catholic Church's involvement in politics and its close relationship with the state.