my understanding of Scripture is that we are saved by Grace alone, and not by our works.

Purgatory implies that we have to do something to earn our way to Heaven.

Those in the devil's domain would also be absent from the body, would they not? But not present with the Lord?

"Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord."

That doesn't mean you don't stop at Purgatory on the way if you must first be saved through fire.

I don't think belief in Purgatory is a requirement for salvation, so it's not that important to me whether you believe or not. But I certainly don't subscribe to sola scriptura. So many Protestant denominations that follow that idea can't seem to agree on the same conclusions.

… why do you say that …. They didn’t accept Christ as their savior … he didn’t even exist yet

… prior to Jesus heaven was only for the Jews… everyone else went to helll

Those in Purgatory are saved, but they must be purified of their sins before they can withstand the presence of God. (Exodus 33:20) They have already earned their salvation, but they must be prepared. That's the idea of Purgatory. Again, you're free to accept or reject it.

As for works, James 2:26.

I don't want to argue with you, but...Exodus 33:20 refers to Moses, who was alive at the time.

and how exactly did they "earn" their Salvation? Again, that contradicts what The Bible specifically states.

and James 2:26 makes MY point.

Not accurate according to scripture. For example, what about the Ninevites who repented after Jonah preached to them? Rehab was a cananite harlot, but called a righteous woman in the new testament

…. But they were sand people no?

Sure you do. Let me say again, I'm not trying to convince you to believe in Purgatory; I'm just explaining, from a Catholic perspective, what it is. If you reject it, that's fine with me.


24 See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25 And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route?
26 For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

It seems pretty clear to me that works are important.

works are important. they aren't the key to Salvation.

works flow from Faith, not the other way around.

I didn't say that.

ok.

if you say so...

…. I don’t think any of yall really know what you believe lol

…. There really was a harlot named Rehab ? … that’s amazing lol

Sval,
I hope you're last reply is sarcasm, you trying to make a point that is.
Was heaven a plase the jews ever even mentioned in the context of the after life before Jesus.
The jews understood an earthly kingdom. But is there old testament talk of anyone going to heaven to be with God. Jesus apostles didn't even understand a heavenly kingdom.
Probably not truly until the ascension.

All I said on the matter is that those in Purgatory are saved. Let's presume that they're saved for the same reason you believe people are saved.

More than anything my belief has been influenced by "you judge a tree by its fruit"

When I'm in church I see happy young couples with kids, focused on family.i see people forming communities willing to help eachother, I see a lot of good fruit that I don't see outside the church.

We need to get Mark back, he'd have 10,000 word replies to each of your post

…. My comment about ol Rehab ?

Or my comment about all yall disagreeing about the same religion?

Rehab! Sorry that is funny. Have you been lone starin gain?

… mostly good people in the church around here also

what you ACTUALLY said was those in Purgatory "earned their Salvation", but had to be purified in order to meet God.