I see a lot of people getting angry and bitter over this topic and this was not my intent from the beginning. I (myself) and truly trying to come to terms with this, understand it, know it, believe it. I do not believe that the interpretations and the scripture that I have read and the ones quoted to me (those simply beg even more questions and sometimes seem to me not to even apply to the issue), along with other issues like the fact that the church is the one that formulated this. I have read the quoted and many seem that they could be interpreted many different ways. I’m obviously no scholar, but I do consider myself intelligent and I can see many ways to view them.
Of course the Scriptures can be read many different ways. There are thousands of Protestant denominations that testify to this truth. Even Scripture says that Scripture is difficult to understand, and that many twist the words to their destruction. Thankfully we have the Church to show us the right way through the confusion and clutter.
I am not really here to argue, but for someone to convince me that this is real. Again, I am on a sincere journey of faith, in all things scriptural, and through Jesus Christ, the word.
If you are basing it on all things Scriptural, you need to examine Scripture. Who proclaims what books are scripture? Who has authority to declare the canon of Scripture? It is the Church. Who does Scripture say is the foundation and pillar of truth? The Church. What did Jesus leave for us? The Church.
But could not purgatory be here on earth? Could not God simply wash of us of our sins with the “snap” of His fingers? I don’t get this concept that we have to wait a second round, like another waiting room to get into heaven, and the timing is based on how much we have sinned.
Purgatory could be here on earth if God wanted it that way. But He set it up differently. He could snap His fingers and cleanse us, but He thinks it is better this way. If you’ve ever completed a monumental task, like running a marathon, or completing a weight loss program, or organizing a large event. You know the time and effort put into these events changes not only others, but yourself. The work, sweat, and effort is part of it. If you are just “given” these things, you don’t appreciate them as much.
Don’t forget something important. Purgatory isn’t required of everyone. Some people work very hard through their lives to conform themselves to God, do His will, and atone for their sins, that they are fully purified by their death that they go directly to Heaven.
I know that Catholics believe that we must pray for the dead to get them out of purgatory. I know this because we had a sermon on it two months ago. That means my salvation into “true” heaven is predicated upon others praying for me after I die. This goes against everything I believe.
We “must” pray for them as they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. There is no requirement to do so. If we do not pray for them, they WILL exit Purgatory anyway. Our prayers help to speed them along, but their salvation is NOT dependent upon our prayers.
Did not Jesus say to the other man on the cross “today you will be with me in heaven” after he believed in Jesus Christ? Why would this man go immediately to heaven while the rest of us need to be cleansed over days, months, years or eons in purgatory? Why do we need to wait for others to pray for us after we die, in order to speed up our salvation?
Jesus said you will be with me in “paradise”. He didn’t say Heaven. So we don’t know if the Good Thief went to purgatory or heaven directly. Also remember, did Jesus go to Heaven that day??? Nope. Jesus was laid in the tomb that day. Jesus didn’t go to Heaven until 40 days after Easter, at the Ascension.
I honestly don’t get this. I am truly struggling with this and believe that purgatory, which is belied in Maccabees, is misinterpreted and the church (man-made) is also misinterpreting the Word.
If the Church is wrong about her understanding of Purgatory, then perhaps the Church is wrong about what books belong in the Bible? Why are you so selective in your views on where the Church has erred?
I was taught that once you are dead, well, that’s it… you don’t get any other chances.
This is correct. Purgatory is NOT a second chance. If you believe this, then you don’t have a good understanding of Purgatory. I would suggest studying it more so that you can make an informed decision about whether you will reject a Church teaching. At the least, make sure you know what the Church ACTUALLY teaches on the a topic before rejecting Her teaching.
It really just seems to me that this is a partial intermediary step and that everything I was taught about believing that Jesus was the way/truth/life and all that believe in Him will have eternal salvation… I understand that no one can stand before God with sin, but shouldn’t this purification process be instantaneous, otherwise, wouldn’t it be another form of punishment/
Why is instant purification better than gradual purificiation? Who’s judgment is that and why is it better than God’s judgment on this topic?
Again, this is not to argue, but I haven’t been convinced and I really want to understand this issue.
I commend you for your diligence to study this topic.
