First, it is certain that a monastic life does not merit forgiveness of sins, but we receive this freely through faith, as has been said before. Second, for Christ's sake, through mercy, eternal life is granted to those who through faith receive forgiveness and do not apply their own merits against God's judgment, as Bernard also says with very great force:
It is necessary first of all to believe that you cannot have
the forgiveness of sins except by God's good will. Second,
you cannot have any good work, unless He has given it.
Finally, you cannot merit eternal life by works, unless this
is also freely given.
Apology of the Augsburg Confession XXVII (XIII) Monastic Vows 31-32
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