Eschatology 7

Purgatory

An intermediate state between heaven and hell where people are purged or purified.

Intermediate state

A state that exists between two other states, in this case, between heaven and hell.

Purification

The process of making something free from impurities or qualities that are not wanted.

Problem of hell

The dilemma regarding the justice of eternal suffering for sin, particularly considering the nature of God as loving.

Forgivable sins

Sins that can be forgiven; Roman Catholics believe that most sins fall into this category.

1 Corinthians 3:15

A biblical verse that discusses the concept of being saved through a form of trial by fire.

1 Peter 1:7

A verse comparing faith to gold that is tested by fire, emphasizing its value.

Praying for the dead

A Christian practice believed to aid in the purification of souls after death, supported by traditional teachings.

Foretaste in purgatory

A concept suggesting that the souls in purgatory experience a preview of their final destination, either heaven or hell.

Apocatastasis

The belief in a process of restoration whereby all creation is ultimately reconciled and redeemed.

Protestant critique of purgatory

The argument that the scriptural basis for purgatory is insufficient and circumstantial.

Divine goodness

The nature of God as inherently good; used in arguments for or against the existence of purgatory.