??? Need more data to respond. How would you consider a baby, "helpless" in Heaven? That flies in the face of us (our souls) donning new and perfect bodies. Can any man know such things? We have to trust that what God has in store will not be an eternal impediment.
Was this a reference to my not believing in Purgatory? If so, who knows? I was raised Catholic and have heard all sorts of "reasoning" behind why there is supposed to be a Purgatory. Catholics seem to believe that, if a person did not accept Christ as the Savior, they get a second chance to be purged of their sins, but I'm not aware of any Biblical references other than some folks interpretations to indicate a second chance. The only ones that seem to carry any water are those of the Old Testament when nobody could really be worthy because of the human inability to abide by ALL parts of ALL the Commandments that humans asked for. Even David, who sinned greatly against Uriah, was said to have been purified by God so he died sinless. The Prophet Jeremiah told us of the coming New Covenant where God would forgive our wickedness and recognize our sins no more. If this is the case, what purpose would a temporary place of cleansing serve? I also do not understand why folks would pray to the saints and the Virgin Mary for intercession - why pray to dead mortals when we have been given a direct path via Christ's relationship on a human level?
Please understand that I have my beliefs because I was saved when I first really heard and understood the love of Jesus in a non-denominational church which uses the Bible as the Word and doesn't get into all the "intricacies" of religion, which tends to cause more confusion than clarification. I don't deny the positive role religion has played, but do not believe that religion is the answer - it's a way for men to become more important/integral to what God has in store for us. I don't have that much faith in men. I don't believe we need priests or other "experts" to understand the love and sacrifice that opened the gates of Heaven to all who would only repent of their sins and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Else, why did Christ have to die? I know I don't know it all and welcome any discourse that may clarify your own beliefs so I have new data to work through.
“Catholics seem to believe that, if a person did not accept Christ as the Savior, they get a second chance to be purged of their sins, but I’m not aware of any Biblical references other than some folks interpretations to indicate a second chance”
Purgatory is not a second chance. If you make it to purgatory you are on your way to heaven. You have already known Jesus as your Savior. On the other hand, if you die in mortal sin you’re going to hell.
Purgatory is a place of final cleansing of temporal punishment for sins which have already been repented of and forgiven.
Example (a pretty lame one that has been around for a while but might help)
You’re a kid playing baseball in the street. You accidentally break a neighbor’s window. You apologize. The neighbor forgives you. You are still obligated to pay for the broken window.
That’s purgatory.