Help for tomorrow’s study.
Hi Gang,
I am studying with a lady that we taught last year in beginner’s English classes here in Costa Rica. I am afraid I will be faced with a question brought up incidently in the book we will be studying from (How to Be a True Christian – that is how I am translating it… I don’t know the correct English title).
It brings up the point that there is no purgatory, that when you die or when Jesus comes, our destiny is decided for eternity then. There are no scripture references in the book to back this up, and because this is a Catholic country, I am afraid there will be questions regarding life/afterlife.
Anyone got some quick scriptures I can use to address this subject? I have a few, but I am not sure I am ready to face questions without some extra help.
Thanks!!
Richard Mansel 10:12 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink |
http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/131-false-ideas-regarding-death
Barbara Ann Oliver 12:14 am on April 14, 2010 Permalink |
Thanks, RIchard.
Richard Hill 12:48 am on April 14, 2010 Permalink |
Wayne Jackson’s article, Richard posted, covers a large number of fallacious ideas about death including purgatory.
After a quick scan of his article, I would suggest a couple more ideas for your consideration.
Here’s one way I’ve approached it. I ask if they’ve ever found a verse in the Bible that supports purgatory. Of course they don’t have one because there’s not one. I then say I’ve done a thorough search and I haven’t found it either. I go on to explain it’s not a biblical concept.
The idea we pay for part of our sins is in direct conflict with the all atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Our salvation is the result of grace (Ephesians 2:7,8) and was paid for by the once for all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 7:27). As the prophet said, “By his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
To think there’s any situation where we take part of the punishment for ours sins in the afterlife then, after a certain length of time, we can go to heaven is as fanciful as it sounds. According to this doctrine, my punishment can pay for sins that apparently Christ’s blood could not!!
Surely anyone can see how the this concept of purgatory discredits the sacrifice of Christ as inadequate to atone for sins.
Hope this helps. We’ll pray the study goes well!
Mike Riley 2:49 am on April 14, 2010 Permalink |
Barbara, regarding our eternal destiny being sealed at the point of our death – two quick Scriptures:
Genesis 7:16 – When God shut up Noah in the ark, that was it – no one else was gaining access into the ark. The same holds true in Matthew 25:10. When the bridegroom arrives, “they that were ready” went with Him to the marriage “and the door was shut” – no one else could gain access to the marriage event (cf. Revelation 21:1-10).
The point is that when the Lord shuts the door, there will be no “second chance.” However, as long as we are physically alive here on earth, the Lord continues to “stand at the door and knock” wanting any and all to “hear” His voice and “open” the door (Revelation 3:20; cf. 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9).
Barbara Ann Oliver 4:18 pm on April 14, 2010 Permalink |
Thanks everyone. This is great stuff. Now if I can only figure out how to say it in Spanish!!! :)