“I believe that there is forgiveness of sin nowhere else than in this community and that beyond it nothing can help to gain it–no good deeds, no matter how many or how great they might be; and that within this community nothing can invalidate this forgiveness of sin–no matter how gravely and often one may sin; and that such forgiveness continues as long as this one community exists. To this [community] Christ gave the power of the keys, saying in Matthew 18 [:18 ], ‘Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.’ He said the same to Peter as an individual, representing and taking the place of one and only one church.”

Luther, Martin. “Personal Prayer Book” (1522) Luther’s Works Vol. 43. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1968, page 29.