This Bible study, “Purgatory: Cleansed by Christ, Destined for Heaven,” will delve into the Church’s teaching on Purgatory, a state of purification after death for those who die in God’s grace but are not yet fully cleansed of venial sins and attachments to sin. We will explore scriptural passages implicitly supporting this doctrine, such as St. Paul’s writings on purification by fire (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) and Our Lord’s words about forgiveness in the age to come (Matthew 12:32). The study aims to demonstrate that Purgatory is not a place of punishment, but rather a manifestation of God’s merciful love and His desire for our complete holiness before entering into His presence.
Theologically, we will examine Purgatory as an extension of God’s sanctifying grace, a process necessary for those who, though saved by Christ’s sacrifice, still bear the temporal consequences of sin. We will emphasize that all souls in Purgatory are assured of their salvation and destined for Heaven, undergoing purification to perfect their love and fully embrace the beatific vision. Practically, the study will encourage us to pray for the Holy Souls, offer Masses for their repose, and perform acts of penance and charity on their behalf, thus participating in the Communion of Saints and hastening their entry into eternal glory. Furthermore, reflecting on Purgatory should inspire us to strive for greater purity in this life, avoiding sin and growing in virtue through the Sacraments, prayer, and good works, so that our transition to eternal life may be smoother and swifter.
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