When was Purgatory created?

[Oumashta]

I really don’t know where to put this thread. So I chose here.

I know that Purgatory exists… But…When did God create Purgatory? Was Purgatory created to replace Sheol in the New Covenant? Was there a Purgatory before Christ?

I don’t want to start this thread to start another “Purgatory doesn’t exist” argument. I just need some answers
Thanks, all help is appreciated
God bless.

 

[Spencerian]

I really don’t know where to put this thread. So I chose here.

I know that Purgatory exists… But…When did God create Purgatory? Was Purgatory created to replace Sheol in the New Covenant? Was there a Purgatory before Christ?

I don’t want to start this thread to start another “Purgatory doesn’t exist” argument. I just need some answers
Thanks, all help is appreciated
God bless.

Hi.

Based on Scripture, the principle of atonement for the sins of the dead appear in 2 Maccabees of the Old Testament.

Purgatory is more of a state of cleansing of sin before continuing to heaven than a place. If the process of purgatory has been available since Adam’s fall, then many, if not all, who died prior to Christ’s Passion had likely completed a purgatory state, ended up in Sheol (for heaven was blocked) and ascended with Christ’s sacrifice. That’s my analysis but it seems to follow, based on what I’ve been taught.

Hopefully someone has an official teaching that further illuminates.

 

[EasterJoy]

We did not receive the faith fully explained with every possible technical term needed at Pentecost. The explanations have evolved.

The state of purgatory was first entered by the first soul who died in need of purification before Jesus opened the gates of heaven. The doctrine was formulated “especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent”.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
PART ONE
THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION TWO
THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

CHAPTER THREE
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

ARTICLE 12
“I BELIEVE IN LIFE EVERLASTING” …

III. THE FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY

1030 All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.

1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.606 The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:607

As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.608

1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."609 From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.610 The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:

Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.611

 

[Oumashta]

Hi.

Based on Scripture, the principle of atonement for the sins of the dead appear in 2 Maccabees of the Old Testament.

Purgatory is more of a state of cleansing of sin before continuing to heaven than a place. If the process of purgatory has been available since Adam’s fall, then many, if not all, who died prior to Christ’s Passion had likely completed a purgatory state, ended up in Sheol (for heaven was blocked) and ascended with Christ’s sacrifice. That’s my analysis but it seems to follow, based on what I’ve been taught.

Hopefully someone has an official teaching that further illuminates.

Oh… I think I get it now

 

[Beachcomber]

Purgatory, as a doctrine of the Church, was set out in 1254 (I think, or thereabouts) at the Second Council of Lyon.

 

[NHInsider]

Oh… I think I get it now

I would say that’s correct - we use the terminology of “place” and “time” to describe it but it’s more “process” than “place” and “time” does not exist in eternity. So it didn’t need to be “created,” per se.

 

[Oumashta]

I would say that’s correct - we use the terminology of “place” and “time” to describe it but it’s more “process” than “place” and “time” does not exist in eternity. So it didn’t need to be “created,” per se.

Oh, so it always existed but kind of not? LOL.
I just asked because I thought everyone went to Sheol in the Old Covenant.