Originally Posted by Ave Maria
Well, I am a Catholic and I definitely believe in redemptive suffering. I offer up my suffering every day, often for the holy souls in Purgatory.
This is Part I of my response to your statement above. I decided to split this post into two separate posts, because the original message I posted was far too long. I also thought it would be easier for you to read and to respond, if I shortened it. The second part of my response to you is
here. I'm replying to your post because I was wondering if you would be willing to discuss the subject of purgatory with me. The questions I would like to ask you are taken from my previous post in this thread, located
here. Before I go any further in writing this post, I would like to make it clear to you that I am by no means questioning your salvation nor trying to judge you or belittle your personal faith. I am not trying to be harsh and I certainly don't want to insult you, offend you, or hurt your feelings. It is my sincerest intention for my words or deeds to be done in the name in Jesus and for my words and deeds to glorify God (Colossians 3:17).
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According to Scripture: Jesus bore our sins, nailed them to the cross once and for all.
Question 1: Do you believe that Jesus bore your sins and nailed them to the cross once and for all?
Scriptural References:
Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18
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According to Scripture: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was sufficient enough to atone for our sins.
Question 2: Do you believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was sufficient enough to pay the penalty for ALL of your sins?
Scriptural References:
Romans 3:25; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 7:27; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10
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According to Scripture: His suffering and death on the cross appeased God's wrath against sin.
Question 3: If you have to atone for your sins in purgatory then doesn't that deny the sufficiency of Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross?
Scriptural References:
Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 3:24-26; Romans 11:6; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:10-18; 1 Peter 2:24
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According to Scripture: Our works of righteousness are like filthy rags to God and the sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to Him and an abomination to Him.
Question 4: How will you be able to atone for your sins in purgatory when your own works of righteousness are like filthy rags to God?
Scriptural References:
Isaiah 64:6; Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 21:27
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According to Scripture: Before we believed and accepted Christ as our Savior, we are under the condemnation and under the wrath of God. We
were storing up wrath against us to be revealed when we stand before God on the Day of Judgment. God render to each of us according to what we have done.
Question 5: If you have to atone for your sins in purgatory, then wouldn't that mean you are still under condemnation and still a child of wrath?
Scriptural References:
John 3:18; John 3:36; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-6; Ephesians 2:3; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 20:12; Revelation 22:12