Before Christ’s death and resurrection, souls waited redemption in Sheol: Zech 9:11, Eph 4:8-10, 1 Pet 3:19-20
References to those “under the Earth” who are neither in Heaven nor Hell, after Christ’s death and resurrection: Phil 2:10-11, Rev 5:3, 13.
Catholic Catechism #1031 “The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. 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.”
This punishment isn't in Hell because you can't be saved through hellfire. Also, there's no punishment in Heaven: 1 Corinthians 3:10-16, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, Hebrews 12:6, 11
#1472 To understand this doctrine and practice of the Church, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the "eternal punishment" of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the "temporal punishment" of sin.
#1473 The forgiveness of sin and restoration of communion with God entail the remission of the eternal punishment of sin, but temporal punishment of sin remains.
Temporal punishment is that which is due to sin, even after the sin has been pardoned by God.
CCC #1741 “By his glorious Cross Christ has won salvation for all men. He redeemed them from the sin that held them in bondage.”
Christ promised there was punishment that exacted what was due but wasn't endless. (And Paul supported this teaching.)
Matt 5: 20-26, Matt 12:32, Matt 18:21-35, Matt 25:31-46, Luke 12:58-59, Heb 9:27, Psalm 99:8
We must be spotless and pure in God's presence: Rev 21:27, Matt 5:8, 2 Cor 7:1
Those who are alive can pray for those who are dead (and vice versa): 1 John 5:16-17, Luke 16:19-31, 2 Maccabees 12:38-46, Sirach 7:33
1 comment:
We just studied the doctrine of the atonement this week in our theology class. One of the gals grew up Catholic and she was explaining a bit of this to us. I'm hoping I'll have time this week to look at your references.
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