Purgatory: Myth or Fact?
Just a short time ago I responded to a fallen-away catholic, who wrote a post on his Blog [AS A FORMER Catholic no less], claiming that the Catholic Doctrine on Purgatory is not true; and just another lie taught by the CC.
The basis of his claim lies in the fact that the term “Purgatory” is not in the bible and therefore MUST be another “Catholic invention”.
Let’s first look at a few other terms that are common today, but which don’t appear in the bible: Which is by the way, a Catholic Book.
Catholic
Protestant
Communion
Eucharist
Traunsbstanuation
Theology
Sacraments
Cardinal
Pope
Mass
Doctrine
Dogma
Pastor
Sinners Prayer & Altar calls
And even the term “bible” are not found in Holy Writ. So that reason is clearly nullified. The Bible is a Catholic book, and the Catholic Church is a living, growing, and expanding entity. Not able to change the bible, but empowered to add new terminology that aids a fuller understanding. Mt. 16:18-19 “Binding and Loosening.”
Each of these terms has a biblical foundation, even if by implication. But the existence of Purgatory is biblically grounded, and does have a solid biblical foundation, as will be shown.
Why then do Protestants “harp” on this topic? Because it’s sellable! Because it’s not in the bible specifically, they seem to have some credibility on the issue. More so than claiming we Catholics “WORSHIP” Mary; which is also an error on their part. … And importantly because, in an absolute sense they must discredit Catholicism, in-order to gain some measure of creditability for their own man-made-beliefs.
All lack of understanding stems from a lack of God’s grace; without which right understanding is impossible. This is further evidenced by the fact that unbelievers commonly deny realities that ARE in the bible; and are clearly, and precisely taught, but are misunderstood caused by right understanding being blocked due to diminishing grace from God. … One God, Faith and Church, the Eucharist and forgiveness of sin come to mind.
Because there is BUT One God; who logically can have ONLY One set of faith believes, and who choose only One Chosen people in the OT … Leviticus 26:12 “I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people” & founded Only One Church.
Mt. 16:18-19 “And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, {singular} and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.”
These terms “binding and loosening” are terms of unlimited Powers and authority of Governance. Thus the church is empowered to create theological terms and definitions. John 17: 18-21 prove this quite clearly.
Purgatory not being understood flows directly from one’s inability to understand [1] God; [2] God’s Bible, and the [3] Nature of sin itself. 2nd. Peter 31:16-17 & 3: 14-17
PURGATORY. {defined} “The place or condition in which the souls of the just are purified after death and before they can enter heaven. They may be purified of the guilt of their venial sins, as in this life, by an act of contrition deriving from charity and performed with the help of grace. This sorrow does not, however, affect the punishment for sins, because in the next world there is no longer any possibility of merit. The souls are certainly purified by atoning for the temporal punishments due to sin by their willing acceptance of suffering imposed by God. The sufferings in purgatory are not the same for all, but proportioned to each person’s degree of sinfulness. Moreover, these sufferings can be lessened in duration and intensity through the prayers and good works of the faithful on earth. Nor are the pains incompatible with great peace and joy, since the poor souls deeply love God and are sure they will reach heaven. As members of the Church Suffering, the souls in purgatory can intercede for the persons on earth, who are therefore encouraged to invoke their aid. Purgatory will not continue after the general judgment, but its duration for any particular soul continues until it is free from all guilt and punishment. Immediately on purification the soul is assumed into heaven. (Etym. Latin purgatio, cleansing, purifying.)”
[1] Unable to more-fully understand God’s Divine Nature, unbelievers fail to recognize God’s fervent Desire to be in a Personal Relationship with man, who alone can choose to [OR NOT TO], Know, Love, serve, Obey and Worship Him, as He commands. [Isaiah 43: verses 7 & 21] … God’s fervent desire, stems from a Divine Justice necessity to save as many souls as is possible, is missed because of other held faith- beliefs that seemingly nullify God having such a position. The nature of sin, and sin forgiveness, which effect God’s Judgment are also commonly not correctly understood.
Purgatory makes possible for Millions of souls [perhaps even Billions?] that otherwise are not perfect; but only “very good.”[yet die without unconfessed or unforiven Mortal sins, to in time, attain the Beatific Vision. {Meeting God “face to face.”}
1 John 5:16-17
BECAUSE God is perfect he can accept nothing less than a Perfect [or an after-death perfected] Soul in His Presence.
Matt.5: 4” You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
Also missed is the fact that Purgatories necessity by overlooking that all sin has a secondary nature, what the Church terms a “public nature” /a “Temporal Punishment that all sin incur,”
because all sin hurts others besides the sinner. … God accepting only Perfect Souls insist that this debt be repaid in full prior to entry into heaven, and this debt exist even AFTER [and even IF] the sin has been sacramentally forgiven [John 20:19-23],
This is a bit complex, but the amount of repayment due to “temporal Punishment”, as well as our attempts to repay it while still on earth are concealed as Christ alone knows the amount of the debt, and the amount of credit He will accept and apply to this debt by our prayers, charity, and Indulgences. The Church exercising her Authority [John 17: 18 & john 20:21, Matthew 16:18-19] offers us the opportunity to MERIT Indulgences a separate topic and Lesson], that have the Power to wipe clean the debt completely until we sin again.
[3]The last issue is the Bible itself.
Lev.22: 21 “And when any one offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD, to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it.
Rev. 21: 27 “But nothing unclean shall enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Mt. 5: 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.
Matt.5: 48 “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Heb. 2: 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
1 Cor. 3: 13-14 “each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done if the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, [Purgatory] though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
This is the short version. I suggest that we might think of Purgatory as a Sort of “Soul-Wash” that can perfect Souls who die in God’s Grace, but still have a debt caused by sin to repay. Only Souls that are Perfect; or that can be made-Perfect after death through Purgatory can enter into the Beatific Vision.
God Bless you,
Patrick Miron
On God's Payroll 
Interesting the writer of the post, supporting purgatory, throws out loose terms, ‘transbutation’, sacraments, etc.–to substantiate his belief in this mythological Catholic teaching, mentioning that since these are not mentioned in scripture either, they could not be true as well…There is no biblical support (spiritually, metaphorically or scripturally) for purgatory in any shape or form; and in fact biblical teachings indicate we all fall short of the glory of God, so thus, the existence of our Holy Savoir Jesus Christ. With his vindication for our souls upon the Cross, this is sufficient for our sins. This is central to the Christian faith. That is why someone as virtuous as Mother Teresa could be in hell, and someone as despicable as a Ted Bundy could be at Heavens gate, me not knowing their heart upon their death. Our sins were forgiven by the incredible Grace of God—because yes, we are all sinners by birthright and our lives we lead. These sins are forgiven, not by allegiance to the catholic church, nor to the Baptist church, but by a true and unquenching acknowledgement of Christ as Lord…..
Maria Allen commented on Purgatory: a Myth or a Fact? by Patrick Miron
[QUOTE]Purgatory: Myth or Fact? Just a short time ago I responded to a fallen-away catholic, who wrote a post on his Blog [AS A …
If purgatory is true, then all people go to heaven eventually. Catholics believe in heaven as a reality for souls, but disregard hell as a reality? To have a heaven means to have a hell. The bible mentions too many times that there are souls in hell. The Catholic Church will not budge when truths are exposed[?QUOTE]
WOW!
My friend you may wish to change wherever you’re getting your information; it’s not even close to being factual.
1. Where do you get the idea that we Catholics don’t believe in Hell. May I suggest you GOOGLE “The Four Last Things” {which BTW are Death, Judgment, Heaven or Hell}
Are you aware that the bible IS a CATHOLIC BOOK?
Matthew 5:22
But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell.
Luke 12:5
But I will shew you whom you shall fear: fear ye him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him.
2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but delivered them, drawn down by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments, to be reserved unto judgment:
Matthew 3:10
For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doth not yield good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast into the fire.
Luke 3:9
For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down and cast into the fire
2. RE: You’re theory that “if purgatory is real that means all souls end up in heaven”….. Simply UNTRUE! Here’s why.
a. While the term purgatory is not in the bible {neither is the term :”BIBLE “ BTW; It never the less is taught.
Lev.22: 21 “And when any one offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD, to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it.
Rev. 21: 27 “But nothing unclean shall enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Mt. 5: 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.
Matt.5: 48 “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Heb. 2: 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
1John.3: 2 to 3 “Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
1 Cor. 3: 13-14 “each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done if the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, [Purgatory] though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
2nd. Cor. 7:1 “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God
Eph. 1: 4-8 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us.
b. It would seem my friend that you have at least an insufficient understanding of the very NATURE of sin.
The Origins of the Doctrine of Purgatory
In additions to Holy Scripture, there are Apocryphal books which were left out of Holy Canon as well as Lost Books of the Bible. It is the Apocryphal book entitled The Maccabees that contains the integral beginnings of the doctrine of purgatory. In an obscure passage, the narrator states that it is a good thing to pray for the dead. In these few word lie the complex and fascinating origins of the doctrine of Purgatory.
What Is the Doctrine of Purgatory?
Purgatory is the intermediate state between heaven and hell where those of the dead who have not sinned greatly enough to warrant hell, but have not yet purified themselves enough in goodness to enter into heaven, go to prepare and purify themselves of sin. According to The Birth of Purgatory by Jacque Le Goff, Purgatory is “an intermediary world” in which some of the dead are subjected to a trial that could be shortened by prayers and other spiritual assistance of those still living. According to The Divine Crucible of Purgatory by Mother Mary of St. Austin, there are several points that are absolutely essential in the understanding of purgatory
1 John 1: 8 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
1 John 1; 5: 16 “If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God * will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; [WHICH BTW MEANS ETERNAL SPIRITUAL DEATH OF THE SOUL} I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.”
John 20: 21-23 “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” {This IS God’s way for sin forgiveness; not a recent man’s invention post 16th Century reformation}
c. Because to enter into heaven a soul must literally be {as is our GOD} “perfect” there exist the following after death possibilities>
1. If a Soul dies and without ANY stain of sin, OR the temporal punishment due to sin; that soul is perfect and will ascend directly into heaven at the “immediate judgment” {FYI: God will BTW, because God MUST in order to be GOD; pass Judgment upon all souls based NOT on what chooses to accept and believe; NO, rather it will be on what GOD has made POSSIBLE for one to know and believe} ……
2. If a Soul dies with out ANY unconfessed; and therefore unforgiven MORATL sins; that soul will spend time in purgatory to be purified and made similar to our God; “perfect”
3. If ANY Soul dies with unconfessed & unforgiven MORTAL sins, then THAT Soul is self-condemed for Eternity in to HELL. Amen!
As for your final point about the RCC being unwilling to budge “when truths are exposed”; PLEASE be specific and I will respond to that charge also.
Thank you for taking time to respond.
God’s continued blessings my friend,
Patrick
Once again, there is no scriptural basis for purgatory. If ‘it’ is implied in scripture as Catholics claim; then this opens a very large Pandoras Box—meaning anyone with a ‘scriptural lean’ can claim the truth as they see fit, etc. Anything could conceivably be added, supposedly backed and eventually be sanctioned by the church. A very dangerous road indeed.
Humans are sinful beings, even after being saved by Gods grace, so leaving future interpretations and ‘additions’ to scripture is a slippery slope.
Yes, there is a heaven and hell–and only.
I’m the author, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss any, or even ALL on the misinformation you seem to have. So if we can do this in charity (God’s way), please do let me know and lets talk about it.
Patrick Miron
If purgatory is true, then all people go to heaven eventually. Catholics believe in heaven as a reality for souls, but disregard hell as a reality? To have a heaven means to have a hell. The bible mentions too many times that there are souls in hell. The Catholic Church will not budge when truths are exposed.
NO, NOT everyone, BUT certainly those in Purgatory DO!
BUT one still HAs to first get to purgatory and BY-PASS Hell by our life choices. Amen
GBY and thanks for posting
Not much to hang the proverbial hat on. There is nothing else to say, except Christ’s ultimate sacrifice was sufficient and plentiful for our sins and the creation of a purgatory in some minds–has no biblical contextual support. It is very difficult for many Catholics to get beyond the traditions. Many are good, most are man- created/ centered –not God-centered.
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Ho Cobb,
Of COURSE Purgatory DOES have a biblical foundation If, if you’re able to understand and “see it”
I hasten to point out the TERM “bible” cannot be found in the BIBLE either, nor MANY other recent and now common terms:
Denial of Purgatory results from an incomplete understanding of GOD Himself, who accoding to 1 Timothy 2: 3-5 ….
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
The KEY WORD here is ALL:
Then read 1 John 1:8-9
1 John 5: 16-17
John 20:19-23
God in order to Be GOD, simply cannot in Divine Justice consider all sins to be of equal consequences. Hence “Mortal sins” are so grievous in GOD”S Judgement as to be able to self-condemn one to Eternal Hell, If. IF not Confessed and forgiven GOD”S WAY [not those easier inventions of mere men, that so many Protestants choose at GREAT risk to accept, despite being contradicted by the bible itself. John 20: 19-23 & Mt 16:18-19
So God out of Divine Mercy and desiring to permit salvation to many SOULS that otherwise neither Merit Heaven being in an imperfect [BUT correctable condition as they are without ANY unconfessed /unforgiven Mortal sins],yet needing perfection to attain the Beatific Vision] yet are unworthy of God’s Real Presence, & would be denied Heaven and do not merit Hell, were it NOT for God’s Divine Charity;
Cobb, each of the following passages is speaking of Purgatory in the bible:
Lev.22: 21 “And when any one offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD, to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it.
Rev. 21: 27 “But nothing unclean shall enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Mt. 5: 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.
Matt.5: 48 “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Heb. 2: 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
1John.3: 2 to 3 “Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
1 Cor. 3: 13-14 “each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done if the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, [Purgatory] though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
2nd. Cor. 7:1 “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God
Eph. 1: 4-8 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us.
God Bless you my friend
Patrick
There is zero clarity or support for purgatory in the phraseology used, or in the context of scripture itself. If purgatory were actual—it would have been mentioned heavily in the Gospels & even the prophets. Christ’s atonement was sufficient. Remember, we cannot work our way into heaven. It’s thru Gods Grace it is possible. Now, that doesn’t mean we can go on sinning, but through his redemptive spirit, which is in every book of the New Testament–we are saved. By Grace alone, by Faith alone.
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Cobb, you’ll find it right next to the term “bible”
If you’d like to actually discuss this here is my E-Mail
patrickmiron66@hotmail.com
GBY
Patrick
Find what next to the word Bible..? Where is the scriptural reference/validation. It’s a tradition, is what Catholicism falls back upon. Man-made history/tradition doesn’t cut it.
One other item, there is only ONE unpardonable sin. It is the non-believer who repudiates the existence of the savior.
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Hi Cobb, I just sent my E-Mail address to you. {I hope I did anyway}
We really ought to discuss these issues is a forum that allows greater, and easier IMO, access
GBY
Patrick
Hi Cobb, the reason Protestants don’t grasp Purgatory; is thanks to Martin Luther’s removal of the 7 books form the OT {Revelations 22:19-20) ” [19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from these things that are written in this book. [20] He that giveth testimony of these things, saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Douay Catholic Bible
(2 Maccabees 12:) ” [36] But when they that were with Esdrin had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord to be their helper, and leader of the battle: [37] Then beginning in his own language, and singing hymns with a loud voice, he put Gorgias’ soldiers to flight. [38] So Judas having gathered together his army, came into the city Odollam: and when the seventh day came, they purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the sabbath in the place. [39] And the day following Judas came with his company, to take away the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen, in the sepulchres of their fathers. [40] And they found under the coats of the slain some of the donaries of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbiddeth to the Jews: so that all plainly saw, that for this cause they were slain.
[40] “Of the donaries”: That is, of the votive offerings, which had been hung up in the temples of the idols, which they had taken away when they burnt the port of Jamnia, ver. 9., contrary to the prohibition of the law, Deut. 7. 25.
[41] Then they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who had discovered the things that were hidden. [42] And so betaking themselves to prayers, they besought him, that the sin which had been committed might be forgotten. But the most valiant Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forasmuch as they saw before their eyes what had happened, because of the sins of those that were slain. [43] And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection, [44] (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,) [45] And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.
[45] “With godliness”: Judas hoped that these men who died fighting for the cause of God and religion, might find mercy: either because they might be excused from mortal sin by ignorance; or might have repented of their sin, at least at their death.
[46] It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. End parts quoted
But like the terms bible, Catholic, Protestants, the term Purgatory is addressed in the NT, IF ONLY, one receives the grace in Faith be be able to grasp; how, in an absolute sense; when one has a fuller understanding of God’s Nature, and the Nature of sin (1 John 1: 8–9; 1 John 5: 16-17; & John 20:09-23)…
Because you are ignorant (uninformed) of these critical to salvation issues; you seem to pontificate on matters of which your education is somewhat wanting. (Which is an objective statement.)
Cobb, if you were able to understand the Natures of sin and God; you would be able to grasp why is a real and literal senses God; In Order to BE GOD, has to be both Fair and Just. For example he cannot judge someone stealing a candy bar form Walmart as a “joke”; and someone have an abortion; which in every case is murder (5th Commandment).
Following this line of enlightenment; knowing that God Is “Perfect” and that He requires a Soul to be perfect to enter into his Kingdom; we look at the above examples I just shared.
Making the assumption that neither of the two “perps” went to Sacramental Confession (John 20:19-23), and died with unremitted sin on their Soul.
The candy thief would have an imperfect Soul; and hence could not attain heaven; BUT his stupid “joke” also does qualify for eternal Hell
The Person who had the abortion (5th Commandment is “Thou Shall NOT Kill”) which IS a grievous sin; and unconfessed; unforgiven; with this GRIEVOUS Sin-guilt; this person would have freely selected for themselves Eternal Hell.
So Cobb; WHAT happens to the “good-thief”; where does that Soul go? Remember it CAN’T enter into heaven without being “perfect.”
Before I close this and share (the rest of the story (WITH Bible evidence); back to the Nature of sin. Cobb, ALL sin effects others in ways sometimes mysterious, and in some ways very evident such as adultery. So GOD Personally attaches a penalty to ALL sins, with what theologian term “Temporal Punishment”
“(TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT. The penalty that God in his justice inflicts either on earth or in Purgatory for sins, even though already forgiven as to guilt.)”
Cobb, a further consideration; one need not belief these realities; because ignorance of them in no way changes their existence of their consequences.
Cobb, I’ll close out this POST with this additional bit of factual information. Are you aware that the bible IS a Catholic book?
Looking forward to, what I hope will be a charitable-Christian reply,
God Bless you and your’s Cobb,
Patrick
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Last word on your condescending and erratic response. No ONE is perfect- even into/unto death; that’s the entire point of God’s perfect plan of mankind’s sin redemption through his Son. Why would ‘we’ have go go through a ‘weigh-station’; particulaty when in the Gospels it is very clear- specifically in Romans, that ALL fall short of the Glory. Christ’s sacrificial atonement on the cross is sufficient for all: all who are part of the elect. We are born sinners and die as sinners; albeit ones whom have died that are true believers are justified by faith. A group I am in just completed Hebrews. I would urge you to read- and do so carefully. It is a literal guidebook ( written by Paul most believe) to unshackle oneself from the legalisms of that day, but definitely still pertinent and reliable. All of the historical and current traditions of Catholicism are grounded in works, not true faith. – Indulgences, cantation of the same prayer repeatedly, treating Mary as deity, and yes purgatory.
Christ exclaimed, I did not come to judge…John 3:17. ( Don’t worry, we will be judged- I know that). Incidentally, I noticed you referenced books out of the Old Testament, not New. Any reason? The New Testament is identical for all strands of Protestants and Catholics.
Cobb, my new friend,
You use the term “true believers”
Eph. 4:3-5 ” [3] Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] One body (which means only 1 church) and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling. [5] One Lord, one faith, (Only 1 TRUE- faith is logically and morally possible; WHY because even GOD can have only one set of TRUE Faith beliefs; not the thousands of differing sets of faith beliefs; EACH self-identified by the church that embraces them as “their own”; hence every church is”self-identified by its ‘faith.” one baptism.”
From this I will gently point out that as the Bible is a Catholic Book; fully authored by the end of the 1st century; though not assembled onto a book until the 4th century (still 1,100 years before the Protestant reformation.)
Thus I suppose it should be expected that what is perceived as a “right” (not in the bible BTW) for everyone to be enabled to read the bible AND UNDERSTAND IT CORRECTLY (????} thousands of differing churches; each with its own “understanding”; makes a mockery of the term “truth”
(John 14″6) ” [6] Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.” …Each singular tense. Pope Benedict XVI taught “There can/t be your truth and my truth or there would be NO TRUTH” (emphasis mine)
It is the New NORM that Protestant cannot rightly comprehend the bible; or rightly translate it. Cobb; please read John 17:16-21 with is directly and exclusive to Peter and the Apostles; and read as such indicates that the SEE-of Peter (Rome); literally is prevented from teaching ANY Faith belief or Moral truth in error with Jesus Himself as the Personal warranty of that statement; which is another Catholic Church exclusive.
WHY Cobb do you suppose that Jesus Instituted the Seven Sacraments; only 2 of which are common to us:Baptism and Marriage?
I frankly did not expect you to be able to grasp what I was sharing; despite it being Christ One True Faith; and provable. But no amount of evidence, all of which you reject, will be acceptable; and as I AM NOT in the “conversion business” (THAT REMAINS THE EXCLUSIVE DOMAIN OF JESUS); unless you wish to actually desire to know what the CC teaches and why (your call), I’ll just wish you well and pray that what you think the bible say’s will be sufficient for you to merit salvation.
God Bless you and your’s and thanks for checking mu Blog out. Your comments are welcome any time,
Patrick
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