Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMartin Luther Collection: Luther, Martin - Table Talks: 21. Of Purgatory
TOPIC: Luther, Martin - Table Talks (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: 21. Of Purgatory
Other Subjects in this Topic:
OF PURGATORY
-----------------------
DXV.
Augustine, Ambrose, and Jerome held nothing at all of purgatory. Gregory,
being in the nighttime deceived by a vision, taught something of purgatory,
whereas God openly commanded that we should search out and inquire nothing
of spirits, but of Moses and the prophets.
Therefore we must not admit Gregory's opinion on this point; the day of
the Lord will show and declare the same, when it will be revealed by fire.
This sentence, "And their works do follow them," must not be understood
of purgatory, but of the doctrine of good works, or of godly and true
Christians, and of heretics. Arius, the heretic, has had his judgment; the
fire of faith has declared it. For the last day will discover and declare
all things.
God has, in his Word, laid before us two ways; one which by faith leads
to salvation, - the other, by unbelief, to damnation.
As for purgatory, no place in Scripture makes mention thereof, neither
must we any way allow it; for it darkens and undervalues the grace,
benefits, and merits of our blessed, sweet Saviour Christ Jesus.
The bounds of purgatory extend not beyond this world; for here in this
life the upright, good, and godly Christians are well and soundly scoured
and purged.