[metmom]

You’ve had 2,000 years to try.

It hasn’t happened yet. You are not fine now and tyou never were.

And you’re not going to be.

[NorthMountain]

One is ill advised to take advice from one’s enemies.

[Mrs. Don-o]

The Church has three major divisions:

• The Church Militant (on Earth)
• The Church Suffering (in Purgatory)
• The Church Triumphant (in Heaven)

The Church Triumphant is the most stable division in the Church, in that the state of the Blessed is unchanging (as time-bound people understand "change".) They have been purified and perfected by the Lord, and their condition is pure, uninterrupted and certain bliss of union with God.

The Church Suffering is the second-most stable. These souls are saved and therefore dwell in hope. They are being purified and perfected by Christ our God, and they condition will change: they will be led in joy to Heaven by their triumphant Lord.

The Church Militant is the most un-stable or changeable state. These souls are undergoing the trials, temptations and vicissitudes of life on Earth. It is a state of battle (which is why we are called "militant")--- and the struggle is constantly shifting between confusion and clarity, loss and gain, defeat and victory.

Jesus says this is the way it will go for the Church on Earth: (Matthew 24:12-14)

"Because of the multiplication of wickedness,
the love of many will grow cold.
But the one who perseveres to the end
will be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom
will be preached in all the world
as a testimony to all nations,
and then the end will come."

In Matthew 10:22, Jesus says: "You will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved."

And in Luke 21:19, He says: "By your patient endurance, you will gain your souls."

Yes, this has been going on in the Church for over 2,000 years. The Lord says those who persevere to the end will be saved.