The Old Testament spoke of a place for the Faithful, Saints who believed. The letter to the Hebrews chap 10&11; Revelation also speaks of this place. Jesus during the 3 days after being crucified and before walking out early Sunday; fought Lucifer. He was fighting demanding and taking the deed and keys away from him allowing all who dwelt there to be free to enter Heaven. Is this where some have come to believe, there is a purgatory?
2007-09-29 18:29:55 · 8 answers · asked by AdmrilBubba 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Abraham's bosom or Sheol.
The Catholic Church believes that those who die never hearing of Christ but have sought the truth and does the will of God as they understand it can be saved. See Romans 2:13-16. This is called the Baptism of desire. (1)
If they died before Jesus died for our sins and opened the gates of heaven for us, then they waited in what is called in the Old Testament Abraham's bosom or Sheol.
Catholics believe that after Jesus died on the cross, he descended into Sheol, the place of the dead. While there He freed the holy souls who awaited their savior in Abraham's bosom. (2)
(1) http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2.htm#art1
(2) http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt2art5.htm#p1
+ Purgatory +
The concept of purgation is hinted at in the Bible. Here are a couple of places:
"But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire." 1 Cor 3:15
"So that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Pet 1:7
Are you perfect now? Most people would say no.
Will you be perfect in heaven? Most people believe yes.
Purgatory (or purgation) is the process of God's love changing our imperfect selves on earth into perfect beings in heaven. Depending on the amount of change needed by different people, this can be an easy or slightly harder process. Everyone in purgatory is on his or her way to heaven. I do not think Mother Teresa of Calcutta had a very hard time of it.
+ Sources of Doctrine +
The Catholic Church does not only use Holy Scripture for the basis of doctrine. The early Catholic church existed before and during the time that the New Testament was written (by Catholics).
Catholics also believe that the Holy Spirit was guiding the early church (and is guiding the church today) to make the correct choices about things like
- The Holy Trinity (which is also only hinted at in the Bible)
- Going to church on Sunday instead of Saturday (which is actually directly against one of the ten commandments)
- Which books to include in the New Testament?
- How do our imperfect selves on earth get to be perfect in heaven?
This second source of doctrine is called Apostolic Tradition.
http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art12.htm#1030
+ With love in Christ.
2007-09-30 17:21:53 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is generally believed that the Old Testament saints went to a place called Paradise, named and referenced from Jesus' statement to the thief on the cross: "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". (Luke 23:43) Paradise is also sometimes referred to as "Abraham's Bosom," from the story of the rich man and Lazarus, found in Luke, chapter 16.
It is believed that the O.T. saints resided here while waiting for Christ's coming, as their sins had been covered by the blood of animals, which was insufficient to allow them to stand in the presence of God. Christ's sacrifice alone was sufficient for that.
2007-09-29 18:58:15 · answer #2 · answered by jeffersonian73 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
East Moline, Illinois.
2007-09-29 18:35:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When Jesus ascended, he opened the doors of hell and took everyone with him from the previous life times.
Rev. TomCat
2007-09-29 18:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by Rev. TomCat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The OT speaks only of life and the grave in that regard.
2007-09-29 18:32:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yikes!
Fought Lucifer?
Demanding?
What ever!!
2007-09-29 18:32:31 · answer #6 · answered by K in Him 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's called Limbo, and often referred to as Holy Limbo.
2007-09-29 18:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by 2.71828182845904 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's Heavell?
2007-09-29 18:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋