Does Purgatory Exist

An argument for the belief in Purgatory regarded: I Corinthians 3:10-15. The letter (1 Corinthians) was written (in 55 A.D. according to my Chronological Bible) to a young church in Corinth, Greece, during the time of the Roman Empire. How would people, new to Christianity, understand the verses? The Catholic church didn't completely formulate doctrine on Purgatory until much later/1274 when they put forward official Catholic church doctrine of Purgatory. Looking at the verses: Via preaching Christ, Paul laid a foundation (Jesus) and thus helped form Christianity. Part of verse 13 means this: the Day of judgment will reveal it. Their work will be revealed with fire. The fire will test it. The fire is likely God's judgment testing their work. This would also apply to good people not in Purgatory. This could weaken the possibility/likelihood that the fire talked about in verse 15, refers to Purgatory. Certain building materials, such as gold, silver, stone, wouldn't burn up/would stand against the test of fire/judgment. Wood, hay or straw would not. The loss that the builder would suffer, could refer to the disappointment that certain works of theirs were unfruitful/didn't achieve good. i.e. for God. Considering the context of all of these verses, (the previous verses before verse 10. Paul was talking about church leaders and their work) I think verse 11 is talking about doctrine and/or choosing important members of the church, such as church leaders. I think the fire part shows the idea of God testing/challenging church leader's work as a builder. They help build the church doctrine. It is interesting that some church leaders that built doctrine that will not withstand the test of fire, are still able to be saved. (accidents in judgment/thinking can occur) There are many Christian denominations.


You can see why Purgatory could be necessary for the Catholic church: If someone died before finishing their penance, what would they do without Purgatory?


I've looked at other reasons for the Catholic belief in Purgatory. None were convincing to me.

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