He did not differ from the church over Eucharist, confession, the mass or any substantial doctrine, only on specific emphases and on the matter of relics and pilgrimages. The church itself sometimes taught faith. After a year in prison Bilney was freed. He was, however, so scrupulous that he could scarcely bear to open the scripture, feeling the whole Bible condemned his betrayal of his principles. Salvation is by faith, not works.
Relics are helpless to save.
After two years of deep despondency, he began to preach again, gathering boldness. He was seized and tried. He readily accepted confession and a final mass since he had never challenged those things. To prepare his mind for the ordeal he burnt his finger in a fire. Cheerfully he went to his death.