"Luther was Right," says Pope Benedict XVI; Salvation is by Faith Alone

Aimee Herd : Feb 6, 2009
Jeff Fountain – Christian Today Australia

"…said the Pope, it was indeed Biblical to say, as did Luther, that it was the faith of a Christian, not his works that saved him."

According to a recent Christian Today article, one of Pope Benedict XVI's latest weekly public addresses in St. Peter's Square may have been surprising to some as he quoted Martin Luther in declaring "Sola fide," that salvation is by faith alone. (Photo: Wikipedia)

Writes Jeff Fountain, in his report: "Disagreement over this doctrine had been at the heart of the Reformation in the 16th century, splitting Christianity in Western Europe. Yet, said the Pope, it was indeed Biblical to say, as did Luther, that it was the faith of a Christian, not his works that saved him."

By defining "faith" as "identification with Christ expressed in love for God and neighbor," Pope Benedict qualified his statement, noting that the Apostle Paul had written about such faith in his letters, especially the one to the Philippians.

According to Fountain, the Pope highlighted the fact that prior to his Damascus Road conversion, Paul had strictly adhered to all the Pharisaical laws and rules.

However, after meeting the Lord Jesus in his vision, Paul began leading a lifestyle of faith alone. Pope Benedict reportedly stated that Luther was correct in translating the Apostle Paul's words as "justified by faith alone" or "sola fide" in the Latin.

Read the entire article at the source link provided.