Martin Luther Collection: Luther, Martin - Table Talks: 21. Of Purgatory

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Martin 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



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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.