PURGATORY

Purgatory is a state, fabricated by the Roman Catholic, which is supposed to be a depository for those who die, not wicked enough to enter hell, but not good enough to merit heaven. Accordingly, these "sanctified," but flawed, Christians must enter "purgatory" where they remain until their sins are expiated, or, to say the same thing in another way, until they are "purged." Further, Catholic dogma contends that prayers may be made (and money paid) for those suffering in purgatory, thus, hastening their departure from that dreadful abode. The doctrine is false: (a) There is no mention of this dogma in Scripture. (b) It denies one's personal responsibility for sin, suggesting that others can help in expiating the punishment for disobedience (contra Rom. 14:12; cf. Ezek. 18:20b). (c) It implies that one, to some extent, atones for his own sin by his suffering. This is at variance with Paul's affirmation that we are not saved by meritorious works (Eph. 2:8-9) -- either before or after death. (d) All preparation for eternity must be made before one dies (cf. Mt. 25:1-12). (e) The rich man in "hades" entertained no hope of escape, being separated from the abode of the righteous by a permanent (so the thrust of the perfect tense verb, "fixed") and impassible gulf (Lk. 16:26).