Article XXII
Purgatory and devotion
Confidence rests in Christ’s sufficient saving work.
The Article
OF PURGATORY
THE Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, Worshipping, and Adoration, as well of Images as of Reliques, and also invocation of Saints, is a fond thing vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.
In modern English
The Roman doctrine concerning purgatory, pardons or indulgences, the worship and adoration of images and relics, and the invocation of saints is a foolish human invention. It has no foundation in Scripture and instead contradicts God's Word.
Scripture readings
- Hebrews 9:24–28
- Hebrews 10:19–22
- 1 Timothy 2:5
Understand the teaching
A dispute about confidence in salvation
Article XXII addresses practices that were prominent and contested in the late medieval church: purgatory, pardons, the veneration of images and relics, and invocation of saints. Its language is forceful because the Reformers believed these practices could obscure the sufficiency of Christ and burden ordinary consciences. In older English, “fond” means foolish or groundless. The Article is making a judgement about the biblical warrant of a doctrinal system, rather than commenting on how emotionally attached people might feel to it.
The phrase “Romish doctrine” points to a particular historical controversy. Responsible teaching should explain actual Roman Catholic claims and avoid attributing crude beliefs to every Catholic Christian. Many Catholics also stress grace, the uniqueness of Christ and the difference between honour and worship. Anglicans still have substantial disagreements with the doctrines named here. Those disagreements should be stated accurately, with the central pastoral question in view: where may a troubled sinner find dependable assurance of forgiveness and access to God?
Purgatory, pardons and the finished work of Jesus
Purgatory concerns purification after death for those who will ultimately enter heaven. Pardons refers in this setting to indulgences associated with the remission of temporal punishment for sin. The historical sale and preaching of indulgences created especially serious abuses, although Catholic teaching distinguishes indulgences from purchasing the forgiveness of guilt. Article XXII rejects the doctrinal teaching named, and its objection cannot be reduced to opposition to financial corruption alone.
Hebrews 10:10–18 describes the decisive effectiveness of Christ's offering. His sacrifice secures the forgiveness to which the earlier sacrifices pointed. Romans 8:1 announces freedom from condemnation for those in Christ. Some Anglicans read such passages as giving strong reason to rest in Christ's sufficient saving work. Christians still need sanctification, and God will complete it. The disputed question is whether Scripture teaches the particular post-mortem system that developed around purgatory. First Corinthians 3:12–15, sometimes used in its defence, concerns the testing of a person's building work and needs careful attention to that context.
Images and relics
An image is a representation; a relic is something associated with a holy person, such as a bodily remain or possession. The biblical problem concerns worship, misplaced trust and the attribution of spiritual power. Exodus 20:4–6 forbids making images for worship. In 2 Kings 18:4, Hezekiah destroys the bronze serpent when people begin burning incense to it. Something originally connected with God's saving action had become an object of misdirected devotion.
This does not require the conclusion that every painting, carving or visual aid is sinful. Scripture itself describes artistic workmanship in the tabernacle, including cherubim. The Anglican question concerns the use and religious meaning of an object. Does it help communicate truth, or is it being treated as a source of protection or a channel that must be approached to gain God's favour? A beautiful church can teach Christian faith through art while carefully directing worship to the living God. Historic objects deserve preservation without becoming substitutes for trust in Christ.
Calling upon saints
Christians belong to a communion that includes believers who have died in Christ. Remembering their faith can encourage us. Hebrews 11 offers an extended account of earlier believers, and Hebrews 12 directs our attention towards Jesus as we run our own race. Thankfulness for faithful Christians is entirely appropriate. The question here is whether Christians should address departed saints in prayer, asking for their assistance or intercession.
First Timothy 2:1–6 encourages prayers for others and identifies Jesus as the unique mediator between God and humanity. Catholic and Orthodox Christians argue that requesting a saint's prayers resembles asking a living believer to pray. Some Anglicans question that analogy because Scripture clearly instructs mutual prayer among the living while providing no corresponding instruction to invoke the departed. Hebrews 4:14–16 instead encourages direct, confident approach to God's throne through our great high priest. The Article follows this Anglican judgement. It offers a wonderfully accessible pattern: through Jesus, ordinary believers may bring their needs directly to their heavenly Father.
Freedom from spiritual anxiety
Imagine someone wondering whether God will hear them unless they use the right object, visit the right shrine or obtain help from a particularly influential heavenly figure. Article XXII directs that person's confidence towards Christ. The gospel announces a Saviour who has opened the way to the Father. Prayer therefore begins with his invitation and promise. Christians do not need to master a complicated network of spiritual access before they can ask for mercy.
This teaching also examines Anglican habits. We can attach superstitious expectations to an anointed speaker, a particular conference, a supposedly guaranteed prayer formula or an item associated with a successful ministry. The historical categories differ, yet the temptation to relocate our confidence remains familiar. Ask what you instinctively rely on when you feel guilty or afraid. Practise confessing sin, receiving the promise of forgiveness and approaching God through Jesus. Discuss theological disagreements with kindness, and help people experience the freedom that comes from a clear understanding of his completed saving work.
Bring it into everyday life
- Where might you seek spiritual security apart from Christ’s promise?