Those of you who believe in purgatory............?

Question

do you actually believe that a pope can get you out of purgatory?

where in the Bible does it teach about purgatory?

Answer 1

Suzi,

Purgatory is not a place but a process before entering heaven to purge one of the dross of sin. No the pope has nothing to do with purgatory. Why would you think he does?

Actually, the Bible teaches very little about the afterlife. Once one has been condemned to eternal hell there is no second chance for salvation. Purgatory is entirely different than Hell. Those in purgatory are already assured of heaven and passed judgment but they must go through a purification process to rid them of unrepentant sin. This is mentioned in the following verse:

(Mal 3:2 DRB) And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like thc fuller's herb:

Purgatory is only a temporary place where sanctification is completed. The Church teaches that there are only two eternal destinies and that is heaven and hell. Here are the Scripture verses relating to purgatory……….

(1Co 3:15 DRB) If any mans work burn, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.

(1Pe 1:7 DRB) That the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures teach that we must be perfect and without sin to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is from this teaching that the Church with the guidance of Scripture developed the doctrine of purgatory.

I think that we can agree that at death, on our own merits that we are not perfect…

(1Jo 1:8 DRB) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

The Scriptures further teach that in heaven all will be perfect……..

(Mat 5:48 DRB) Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Rev 21:27 DRB) There shall not enter into it any thing defiled or that worketh abomination or maketh a lie: but they that are written in the book of life of the Lamb.

Are you starting to see the necessity of purgatory? Scripture also says for us to pray for those who are dead.

(2Ma 12:46 DRB) It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.

The bible also teaches us of the sins which can be forgiven after death and which ones cannot…………..

(Mat 12:31 DRB) Therefore I say to you: Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit shall not be forgiven.

(Mat 12:32 DRB) And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world, nor in the world to come.

Finally the ultimate proof in purgatory is that the Church which the Bible says is the “pillar and bulwark of the truth” has always taught and defined the doctrine of purgatory as dogma.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 2

No, Catholics do not believe that the Pope can get anyone out of Purgatory. This notion was an abuse propagated by certain clergy early in the 16th century. For the segment of Catholicism that doubted the concept of Purgatory and the validity of indulgences, this was the straw that broke the camel's back, and so it was in a very real way the cause of the Reformation. However, the Catholic Church, to its credit, *did* put a stop to this abuse.

Answer 3

Welcome back, Suzi, we've missed you in the last couple of days.

I have no idea how you reached the conclusion that the Pope can get anyone into, or out of, purgatory. Simply put, he does not.

As before, I recommend that if you are confused about Catholic doctrine and how it is Biblically supported, you should take a look at the catechism.

Here are the pertinent sections. Enjoy your reading and have a good day.

http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a12.htm#1030
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1472
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p5.htm#946

Answer 4

wow, that's a new one - never heard about a pope getting someone out of purgatory. i've heard that the prayers can help one in their time in purgatory but never a "get out of jail free" type pope card.

purgatory is meerly a word given to the concept that - when we die we will stand before the judgement throne of God. God will walk through our life and we will be "tested in fire" having some sins forgiven. scripture dictates both our being tested in fire as well as the fact some sins are forgiven in this life and some in the next.

i'm sure you've heard people talk about the rapture. this is a word given to the concept as that word - just like purgatory is not in the bible. heck, the word bible isn't in the bible either ; ) for that matter, neither is gandfather or cat.

EDIT - the bible the Catholics use has 7 additional books and yes, sme of the psalms are numbered differently. not to get into a push me pull me match but the Rcc bible has been around many years more then the KJV, NIV and such.

Answer 5

Purgatory is simply the place where already saved souls are cleansed of the temporal effects of sin before they are allowed to see the holy face of Almighty God.

Revelation 21:27 tells us that "...nothing unclean will enter [Heaven]."

Answer 6

Yes protestant church buildings. They broke clear of the catholic church for explanations just like the doctrine of purgatory, however have stored the elemental doctrines of the Catholic church. They think within the Trinity (3 however one), they've the identical baptismal components because the Catholic church. Im lovely certain the Lutherans put on the gowns and stuff like that, they're as a rule the protestant church that almost all resembles Catholicism.

Answer 7

In the Old Testament, in the Book of Maccabees(which you Protestants edited out of the Holy Bible), & in the New Testament, the Gospel according to St Mark, chapter 3, verses 28-29.

Answer 8

dear suzi no where in the bible does it mentiom purgatory. you will a exant account of what happens after death in luke 16:19. despite what you hear this is not a parable. its our choise heaven or hell. thank you.love.pastor carney. praise god for true belivers like you.

Answer 9

No I do not believe the pope can get me out, but I do believe people can pray for me, even after death.

I'm trying to learn, but as of now I am not knowledgeable to quote the bible.

Answer 10

yes catholics use a different bible from protestants, we have the real one with all the books, the protestants were the ones to tamper with the bible taking 7 books out of it. shame on them. the bible dont say purgatory, but it dont say christian or trinity either, but yet we believe in it. The bible teaches the concept of purgatory, and it is also in the kjv bibles also