It’s probably safe to say that for most Protestant Christians, there are few doctrines more “Catholic” than Purgatory. Unfortunately, most people’s understanding of Purgatory is fraught with myths and misconceptions.
First, here’s how the Catechism describes Purgatory:
“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.
“This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, mentioned in Sacred Scripture… From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead…” (CCC 1030-1032)
Now here are five of the most common myths about Purgatory:
Myth 1: Purgatory is a second chance at salvation
Truth: At death, a person’s eternal destiny is sealed: he will either spend eternity in heaven or hell. Purgatory is a temporary place that people who are already assured of heaven may go to in order to prepare for heaven. So, once in Purgatory, a person can’t alter their eternal destiny – there are no second chances after death.
Myth 2: Purgatory isn’t in the Bible
Truth: In 1 Cor. 3, Saint Paul describes a period after death, but before heaven, in which a Christian is purified with fire. That’s Purgatory.
There is other biblical evidence, to name two: In Matt. 12, Jesus mentions the possibility of sins being forgiven after death, and in 2 Macc. 12, the practice of praying for the dead (a practice Purgatory makes sense of) is commended. (For more, see this great article by Catholic Answers.)
Myth 3: Purgatory is a way of being saved apart from Christ
Truth: As already mentioned, Purgatory is only for people who have died in friendship with Christ and are assured of heaven. Further, the purifying process of Purgatory is only through the grace of Jesus Christ. So rather than being something in competition with Christ, Purgatory is an occasion for the grace of Christ.
Myth 4: Indulgences are a way of buying salvation
Truth: An indulgence is something granted by the Church that limits or removes a person’s need for Purgatory after death. Indulgences do not, however, determine whether a person goes to heaven or hell.
Further, while historically there have been abuses regarding indulgences, the Catholic Church considers the selling of spiritual things (simony) a sin.
Myth 5: Praying for the dead is a late medieval corruption of the faith
Truth: Actually, the Jews practiced praying for the dead prior to Jesus, as recorded in 2 Macc. 12. The Early Church also practiced it.
Eternal Rest Prayer
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.
And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.