Lumen Gentium — Chapter 7 🌎 “The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church in Heaven”

What does “eschatological” mean?

Eschatological refers to the future completion of God's plan of salvation, when God will restore and reunite all things with Himself.

What is the “pilgrim Church”?

The pilgrim Church is Christians who are still living and working in the world while moving toward the future fulfillment of salvation.

Why pray for the dead and honor saints?

Why pray for the dead?

Because Christians believe that people remain connected even after death.

Why honor the saints?

Because saints provide examples of how to follow Christ.

However, honoring saints should ultimately lead people closer to Christ and God, rather than replacing the worship of God.

⭐ Easy distinction:

Honor saints → follow their example → become closer to Christ

In what sense is the Church constant?

The Church is constant because it preserves the faith and tradition passed down from earlier generations.

Why must the Church remain vigilant?

Because “abuses, excesses, or defects” can develop within the Church.

Even though the Church preserves its faith, some practices can move away from their proper purpose.