Topic 6 of 11
Purgatory
The Catechism teaches that those who die in God's grace but are imperfectly purified undergo purification after death. Scripture says the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and that for believers there is no condemnation.
What the Catechism teaches
The Catechism is clear that Purgatory is not hell: those in it are saved. It describes a purification before entering heaven, and the practice of praying for the dead.
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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030 · official text
The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1031 · official text
This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1032 · official text
What Scripture says
Scripture says Christ's one sacrifice has perfected for all time those who are being made holy, that His blood cleanses from all sin, and that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Jesus promised the dying thief paradise that day, and Paul said to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord.
14For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Hebrews 10:14 (WEB) · context
7But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 (WEB) · context
1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 (WEB) · context
43Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:43 (WEB) · context
8We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (WEB) · context
23But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Philippians 1:23 (WEB) · context
How Catholics answer
Catholics point to 2 Maccabees 12 (prayer for the dead) and to 1 Corinthians 3:15, which speaks of being saved, but only as through fire.
15If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.
1 Corinthians 3:15 (WEB) · context
What Scripture answers
2 Maccabees is not part of the Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus and the apostles used. In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul speaks of the testing of each builder's work, which may be burned up while the builder himself is saved. It is not a place of purification for sin: that was finished at the cross.
30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30 (WEB) · context
The good news
Saved by grace, through faith, in Christ
Salvation is God's free gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ alone.