PURGATORY

The Catholic Encyclopedia

NOTE: All scriptures are from the Douay and Confraternity Versions of the Bible, published by Kenedy & Sons, Printers to the Holy Apostolic See, and endorsed by Francis Cardinal Spellman, Catholic Archbishop of New York.

Vol. 12, pg. 578: "The very reasons assigned for the existence of purgatory make for its passing character. We pray, we offer sacrifice for souls therein detained that 'God in mercy may forgive every fault and receive them into the bosom of Abraham....'"

GOD'S WORD, LUKE 16:22-26: "And it came to pass that the poor man died and was borne away by the angels into Abraham's bosom; but the rich man also died and was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he saw ABRAHAM afar off and Lazarus in his BOSOM. And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said to him....between us and you a great GULF IS FIXED, so that they who wish to pass over from this side to you cannot, and they CANNOT CROSS from your side to us.'"

Vol. 12, pg. 578 continued: "....Scripture and the Fathers command prayers and oblations for the departed...

GOD'S WORD, MATTHEW 16:27: "For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will render to everyone according to his [own] CONDUCT."

Vol. 12, pg. 578 continued: "...and the Council of Trent in virtue of this tradition not only asserts the existence of purgatory, but adds 'that the souls therein detained are aided by the suffrages of the faithful and principally by the acceptable sacrifice of the altar....'"

GOD'S WORD, ROMANS 12:1: "I exhort you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, to present your BODIES as a sacrifice, LIVING, holy, pleasing to God - your spiritual service."

Vol. 12, pg. 578 continued: "....That those on earth are still in communion with the souls in purgatory is the earliest Christian teaching, and that the living aid the dead by their prayers and works of satisfaction is clear from the tradition above alleged...."

GOD'S WORD, PHILIPPIANS 1:12: "...work out YOUR [own] SALVATION with fear and trembling.

Vol. 12, pg. 578 continued: "....That the Holy Sacrifice was offered for the departed was received Catholic Tradition even in the days of Tertullian and Cyprian...."

GOD'S WORD, HEBREWS 9:27; 10:10 & 26: "And just as it is appointed unto men to DIE ONCE AND AFTER THIS COMES THE JUDGMENT....It is in this 'will' that we have been sanctified through the offering [sacrifice] of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL....For if we sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there remains no longer a sacrifice for sins."

Vol. 12, pg. 579: "But when there is question of applying an indulgence to one in purgatory, 'the pope does not absolve the soul in purgatory from the punishment due his sin, but offers to God from the treasure of the Church whatever may be necessary for the cancelling of this punishment.'"

GOD'S WORD, ACTS 8:20; APOCALYPSE 14:13; 22:12: "But Peter said to him, 'Thy money go to destruction with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money'....'And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write: Blessed are the DEAD WHO DIE IN THE LORD henceforth. Yes, says the Spirit, let them rest from THEIR LABORS, for THEIR WORKS do follow them....Behold, I come quickly! And my reward is with me, to render each one according to HIS WORKS."

Vol. 31, pg. 1034: "In the final analysis, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory is based on tradition, not Sacred Scripture."

GOD'S WORD, MARK 7:13; APOCALYPSE 22:18-19: [Jesus said] "You make void the commandment of God by your tradition, which you have handed down....I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone shall add to them, God will add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his portion from the tree of life, and from the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book."