Why do Catholics believe in Purgatory?

A. The Catholic Church’s belief in the existence of purgatory is based on scripture. It is important to understand what the Church believes purgatory is. The Catechism describes purgatory like this: “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” (CCC 1030).

Note that the Church believes that purgatory is not an eternal state, but rather a state of purification before entering eternal life with God in heaven.

Scripture teaches us that nothing unclean can enter heaven (Revelation 21:27). Scripture also describes a place where a man goes and suffers loss, yet is still saved, but only through fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Purgatory is this place that cleanses us of whatever impurity we have when we die, allowing us to enter into God’s presence without the stain of sin.

As Catholics, many of us have a tendency to discount the importance of Purgatory and, if we think of it at all, it’s with the idea of it being a temporary and brief interim stop on our way to Heaven. We need to remember that our concept of “time” is formed by our experience in this life on earth.

Compared with the endless meaning of eternity it might be more logical to assume “time” spent in Purgatory is likely to be far, far longer than our time here on earth. Even if we spent thousands of years in Purgatory, it would still be nothing compared with eternity. If we need any further incentive to avoid sins we might think as unimportant, it would be wise to remember what Jesus told us ” Truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:26). That “last penny” may be a long, long time coming.