by Chris H.

Created on: September 21, 2010   Last Updated: September 23, 2010

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a "purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven," which is experienced by those "who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified" (CCC 1030). It notes that "this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned" (CCC 1031).

It is a misconception of Purgatory to say that some who go there then go to Hell. This is not true. According to Catholic teaching, all those who go to Purgatory will eventually go to Heaven.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, first published in 2005, is a summary in dialog form of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It deals with purgatory in the following exchange:

"210. What is purgatory?

Purgatory is the state of those who die in God’s friendship, assured of their eternal salvation, but who still have need of purification to enter into the happiness of heaven.

211. How can we help the souls being purified in purgatory?

Because of the communion of saints, the faithful who are still pilgrims on earth are able to help the souls in purgatory by offering prayers in suffrage for them, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice. They also help them by almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance.”

(Above taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purgatory)

From the Global Catholic Network website- “You see, when many people die, they die with divided hearts which are not entirely ready to enjoy God in heaven. Hence their hearts must be prepared.”

From the official website of Roman Catholic Church (www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1 23a12.htm):

III. THE FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY

1030 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.
They also refer to Purgatory as - "a purifying fire" and "a cleansing fire".

But, 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

Let us note that the Greek word for “holiness”, which is “hagiasmos”, can mean “holiness” as the NIV translates it. It can mean “sanctification” as the ESV translates it. Or it can mean “purification”,

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