That is your opinion, and of course you are entitled to it. But please explain to me the Biblical references (Paul)to "praying for the dead"? Why would anyone need to pray for the dead if they went straight to heaven or hell?
The concept of Purgatory has been around as long as Christianity. It has it's basis in Hebrew theology and was taught by the Church as early as 150 A.D.
It was 1500 years later that the Protestants decided that there was no purgatory.
We'll all find out one day - won't we?
Thank you, but the issue is rather whether or not my opinion is well grounded.
But please explain to me the Biblical references (Paul)to "praying for the dead"?
Sure.... there ain't no such animal. No passages exist the refer to Palul "praying for the dead." none.
I have addressed this question before. My problem with purgatory is NOT the idea of purgation/purification from the presence and influences of sin. Therefore, I do not categorically reject the idea of a "purgatory." Of course we all believe that must happen at death to be in the presence of a holy God, so that the totality of our being "catches up" with our federal/declarative state. Otherwise we would be unfit for the presence of God, and He could not bear us. Also, I don't have a problem with the concept of a "progressive" idea of purification. Time will be no more and the concept of a linear temporal dimension may "fit" better. Who knows and to be frank, who cares? Certainly not I, and if you want to call this purification "purgatory" seeing as how the scriptures do seem to indicate that some on that day "will suffer loss" and that there is a system of rewards for faithfulness -- implying some sense of deprivation, we can walk together here.
My problem is with the WHOLLY unbiblical and antigospel notion that our own suffering somehow atones for, or covers our sin. Again, this is blasphemous, as it strikes at the very heart of the gospel. Men cannot save themselves. God alone saves. Christ alone in his death atones for sin, and again, you can no more atone for your sins that you can sprout wings and fly to Mars. This is, if I understand you correctly, and I may not, VERY serious and strikes at the heart of the gospel itself. Possibly you need to correct my misunderstanding of your teaching on the subject?