Sadly, the church, composed of sinful men and women, does not escape the infiltration of depravity, but it frequently suffers greatly from it. Corruption among officials, particularly high-ranking leaders, has serious ramifications both within and without the church's borders. Today's lesson demonstrates this truth poignantly, and the selling of indulgences and church offices to feed the treasury of the Roman Catholic Church epitomizes the venality that can exist in the heart of men. Nonetheless, Christians possess hope, for God promises to maintain His Spirit among the true members of the invisible church, the body of men and women that participate in the visible church but that truly belong to the Father on account of the Son. This promise will find sure proof in the protests of Martin Luther and his adherents.