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What the Church means by Purgatory
Fallible Blogma ^ | October 21, 2011

Posted on 10/22/2011 1:21:35 PM PDT by NYer

Catholics get a bad rap for thinking we somehow “merit” or “earn” our own sanctification (and salvation) through “works” that we do. But that’s a misunderstanding of what the Catholic Church actually teaches. Our sanctification (our being made holy) happens only by the Grace of God. But it does require a response on our part. We must cooperate with it. This submission to and cooperation with God’s Grace, Catholics call a “work” and it takes various forms.

Some identify this response to God’s grace as a kind of “saving” or “justifying” faith (a faith that produces or is accompanied by works of conversion, hope and charity) as opposed to a “work” – something we do. Such a position is reconcilable with Catholic teaching once we understand each side’s terminology. On the other hand, I think it’s confusing to refer to this cooperation with and submission to God’s Grace as simply “faith alone” – which is one reason Catholics don’t refer to it that way (and probably one reason the Bible says we are “not” saved by “faith alone” – James 2:24).

Anyway, here Fr. Barron speaks a little bit about some of these sanctifying practices of the Church and what we mean by “Purgatory” (an extension of that sanctification) in the super-natural sense.

What the Church means by purgatory? - Watch You Tube Video

This exclusive preview clip was from CATHOLICISM, Episode X: “WORLD WITHOUT END: THE LAST THINGS”.

Explore the Church’s conviction that life here and now is preparation for an extraordinary world that is yet to come – a supernatural destiny. Father Barron presents the Catholic vision of death, judgment, heaven, hell and purgatory as he journeys to Florence, Ireland and Rome.

The vision of the Church sees beyond this world and invites us to consider a world without end. Father Barron shows how this vision is supported by the mystery and truth of the Resurrection of Jesus.

View exclusive preview clips from all episodes of the CATHOLICISM series coming out in Fall 2011.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; Theology
KEYWORDS: purgatory
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To: caww
holiness required is covered under the finished work of Christ and Christ alone

This is not what 1 Cor. 3 says. It says, some parts of the building have to be burnt off, and only after that he is saved.

1,001 posted on 11/02/2011 8:09:13 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: CynicalBear
All who proclaim Jesus as their savior are part of the “body of Christ” the church just as they were during the time of the Apostles.

That may be your supertition but I don't see anything in the scripture where heresies such as Protestantism were tolerated. Either one of the multiple Protestant denominations is the True Church, or the Catholic Church is, together with the apostolic Churches that believe what we do. You cannot have the body of Christ without agreement between the members on the fundamentals of faith, adnd we don't have such agreement with the Protestants.

1,002 posted on 11/02/2011 8:09:39 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: RnMomof7; caww

Hooo boy.

Are they in for a rude awakening.


1,003 posted on 11/02/2011 8:31:32 PM PDT by metmom (For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore & do not submit again to a yoke of slavery)
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To: metmom

The day will surely come where they will see the life they missed...and what they settled for. Let’s just hope and pray they will realize and turn before that day comes.


1,004 posted on 11/02/2011 9:00:42 PM PDT by caww
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To: annalex

So you say even if someone has accepted Christ as their personal savior but doesn’t belong to the Catholic church organizationally is not part of Christ’s body the church?


1,005 posted on 11/02/2011 9:01:35 PM PDT by CynicalBear
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To: annalex
>> And how about regular folks, don’t you think the same process should also apply to them: that some of their work is good and some not so good?<<

That’s not what that passage is talking about.

1,006 posted on 11/02/2011 9:03:48 PM PDT by CynicalBear
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To: annalex

No...that is not what it says and you are pulling it out of context to support your position rather than letting the Lord bring the meaning together rightly by following the context and who is speaking and being spoken to...etc.

Furthermore Jesus never once spoke of purgatory..not one time...but he did speak about those who believed the law would save them and warned them....there is nothing more one should add to His finished work...He is sufficient for it all..just as He says.


1,007 posted on 11/02/2011 9:05:09 PM PDT by caww
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To: annalex
You cannot have the body of Christ without agreement between the members on the fundamentals of faith, adnd we don't have such agreement with the Protestants.

Well then it's time you listen up and pay attention to the truth instead of trying so hard to convince yourself and others that all authority rests with the Vatican instead of in Christ and his rightful authority and the words He left us to live by. That's where we stand..and it's solid ground.

1,008 posted on 11/02/2011 9:18:52 PM PDT by caww
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To: CynicalBear

To be a member of the Mystical Body of Christ one has to take valid communion which is celebrated at the Catholic or Orthodox churches, but not in the Protestant communions of faith.

In order to take communion validly one has to be free from unconfessed serious sin and share the Catholic faith. Organizational membership in a parish is not really a requirement.

Accepting Christ as your personal savior is one important step toward becoming a Catholic Christian but it does not complete the journey.


1,009 posted on 11/03/2011 6:10:34 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: caww
there is nothing more one should add to His finished work

The Purgatory adds nothing. It, rather, subtracts. Read the text.

Jesus did speak of paying off the last farthing. That doesn't square with once saved - always saved.

1,010 posted on 11/03/2011 6:16:28 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: caww

All authority rests with Christ, Who gave me the One Holy Catholic Church. This is why I am Catholic and not a heretic who listens to Protestant charlatans.


1,011 posted on 11/03/2011 6:17:59 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: annalex
>>To be a member of the Mystical Body of Christ one has to take valid communion which is celebrated at the Catholic or Orthodox churches,<<

I don’t doubt a bit that you have been indoctrinated to believe that.

To see how I view you rituals see here.


1,012 posted on 11/03/2011 6:44:17 PM PDT by CynicalBear
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To: annalex

Ooops, forgot the link.

http://www.aloha.net/~mikesch/monstr.htm


1,013 posted on 11/03/2011 6:46:33 PM PDT by CynicalBear
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To: annalex
Who gave me the One Holy Catholic Church.

Actually Christ gave us Himself by and thru His Spirit...and His word likewise. ..and we as HIS body of believers, with Christ as the Head...are His church. Which is why we can fellowship between the many church denominations with other believers. His Spirit within us identifies with those who are His....again His church as the body of Christ..... He is not confined to a building or a group of men self appointed men in Rome to determine His way with us.

"If the son shall set you free, you are free indeed"

PS...I see you might still have residual issues left from your bad experiences with the churches you were first affiliated with...it does reveal so in your posts. Sorry you had those.

1,014 posted on 11/03/2011 7:34:05 PM PDT by caww
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To: CynicalBear
Notice the letters SFS in the small sunburst blaze on the large close up of a Monstrance? Each of the letters is a universal symbol for the number 6 in the pagan mysteries, so to the pagan it reads 666!

Well now that link was revealing and quite astounding CB...am stunned again.

1,015 posted on 11/03/2011 7:38:10 PM PDT by caww
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To: annalex
That doesn't square with once saved - always saved.

I do believe in the sanctity of the believer of course, and that Jesus means what He said...we are sealed and He will not deny Himself..... or what He said would then mean nothing at all... if that were not the case.

Once a person is saved they do have a new nature..His.. and therefore the person is a changed individual. Most recognize this. Most realize something has happened to them as they begin their walk with him. And with the help of the scriptures Jesus confirms time and again their position IN Him. So yes, once saved alawys saved...for such as a man believes so he is.

1,016 posted on 11/03/2011 7:47:28 PM PDT by caww
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To: CynicalBear

let the wailing and gnashing begin. Along with the denials, and the ever-popular “hate” chants. Perhaps there will those who can honestly answer the questions we all have. Like WTH?


1,017 posted on 11/03/2011 7:51:47 PM PDT by smvoice (Who the *#@! is Ivo of Chatre & why am I being accused of not linking to his quote?)
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To: caww

I worked with a person who was deep into the study of Pagan history. We spent many hours over several years discussing the pagan practices that have shown up in Christian worship and customs. It was an eye opener for me. Satan is truly a cunning deceiver.


1,018 posted on 11/03/2011 7:51:56 PM PDT by CynicalBear
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To: annalex
To be a member of the Mystical Body of Christ one has to take valid communion which is celebrated at the Catholic or Orthodox churches

That of course is a Catholic teaching which keeps people in bondage to Rome and it's leadership...as it was designed to do.

Fortunately Jesus does not require this...as was evidenced with the thief on the cross who certainly had no time or opportunity for communion...as the Apostles did so shortly before that event...and yet Jesus said to Him that that very day he would be with him in paradise...no communion, no acts, nothing more than being forgiven and the promise to go with Jesus that day.

1,019 posted on 11/03/2011 7:52:38 PM PDT by caww
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To: CynicalBear

I know an individual who spent much time studying symbols within the churches and organizations such as Masonary etc...mormons and others who use symbols. Fascinating to learn about these as they are all over the place....many buildings carry them as does Washington.

You’re right satan is cunning...and can often easily deceive....I’ve had those occassions where I didn’t see the obvious until after the fact...and why it is sooo important to know Gods word.


1,020 posted on 11/03/2011 7:56:50 PM PDT by caww
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