Why is the idea of purchasing God’s favor so offensive to Him?

Summary

The sermon condemns the historical selling of indulgences by the Roman Catholic Church, exemplified by Tetzel, as a corrupt practice where forgiveness was bought with money. This practice, rooted in financial desperation, persisted in subtler forms of transactional faith even in modern times. The core message is a warning against a corrupted gospel that relies on material giving and good works for salvation, rather than true repentance and faith.