Jackson on Article XIV: Of Works of Supererogation

This is, directed against the doctrine of the Treasury of Merits, invented by the Schoolmen in the thirtenth century, and formally sanctioned by Clement VI. in 1343. According to this doc- trine the ‘‘ extra ’’ good works of eminent Saints, together with the merits of Christ, formed a treasury of superabundant merit, available for making up the deficiencies of ordinary Christians. This treasury was in the care of the Church and administered by the power of the keys. From it ‘‘ indulgences ’’ were granted, the open sale of which led to Luther’s famous protest. This theory is based on a distinction between things commanded and things commended (1 Cor. vii., 10); and it is supported by such passages as our Lord’s words about poverty (Matt. xix., 21) and St. Paul’s words about celibacy (1 Cor. vii., 7 and sq.). But in each case the context makes no suggestion that those things possessed a merit in excess of duty, but rather that they were duties necessary for a particular individual or time. The whole tenor of Scripture is against the theory. As the Article says, it “‘ cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety.”’ It in- volves too high an opinion of human nature (1 John i., 8-10) and too low an estimate of God’s demands (Luke xvii., 10). Nothing can possibly exceed the standard of life which God requires (Matt. v., 48; Luke x., 27). There can be no such thing as ‘‘ Works of Supererogation,’”’ and, — if there were, they could not be transferred from person to person.

ARTICLE XV. Or CHRIST ALONE WITHOUT SIN.