The Catholic Church's teaching on Purgatory is commonly misunderstood by non-Catholics and Catholics alike. First, it important to note that the Catholic Church teaches that in the end, there are only two places a soul ends up: Heaven or Hell. Properly understood, Purgatory is a state of cleansing and purification for souls who are on their way to heaven. You could think of it as a triage station or even a decontamination chamber before you enter the clean room of Heaven.
We don't earn our way into heaven and we have done nothing to deserve God's divine mercy. Instead, Purgatory is a loving gift from the Father which prepares us for the beatific vision. Even though not explicitly referred to by name (by the way neither is the Trinity), the Bible does allude to it, especially in terms of purging fire because nothing unclean can enter heaven (see Isaiah 35:8).
We don't earn our way into heaven and we have done nothing to deserve God's divine mercy. Instead, Purgatory is a loving gift from the Father which prepares us for the beatific vision. Even though not explicitly referred to by name (by the way neither is the Trinity), the Bible does allude to it, especially in terms of purging fire because nothing unclean can enter heaven (see Isaiah 35:8).
There are are several Biblical passages to support the teaching on purgatory. Here are just a few:
Rev 21:27
Please also review the sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that address the teachings on Purgatory: CCC 1030-1031
Please also review the sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that address the teachings on Purgatory: CCC 1030-1031
FOR FURTHER READING:
Catholic Answers provides an online article with a detailed explanation and answers to common objections.
Books for Further Reading
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