Next will come the "do dogs go to heaven" debate.
Then the If you are divorced will you go to heaven debate.
If you never had access to baptism will you go to heaven debate.
Is it possible for a homosexual to go to heaven debate.
Can a priest forgive sins or can you confess in your mind debate.
and on and on...
I read this post because I was wondering what the debate about "purgatory" is all about. I guess I believe in it because I was taught that way since I was a kid. As far as the "little sins", I'm more worried about the BIG SINS I've committed and probably will commit in the future.
I have no illusions that only with a very very forgiving God can I possibly end up in heaven. I pray for it every night and thank him every morning but I worry about dying in a state of unforgiven sin or "out of grace". Maybe "purgatory" was meant to ease the concerns of people like me. I'm worrying about the big stuff and what I can do to quit pushing the Lord away from me or pushing myself away from the Lord.
“I was wondering...
I guess I believe...
I’m more worried...
I have no illusions...
I worry about dying...
I’m worrying about the big stuff and what I can do to quit pushing the Lord away from me or pushing myself away from the Lord.”
These are not words one who understands the Gospel Message could say. Obviously ‘guessing’ that you belief what you’ve been taught hasn’t taught you what you need to know. Being full of worry reveals there’s no assurance of what you do believe.
I would simply advise you begin with the Gospel message itself....read it for yourself in the four “Gospels”..Matthew, Mark Like and John. Which tell us about Jesus. Go there with the idea of what He wants you to know and ask Him to reveal Himself to you as you read....The book of John is a good place to start for it teaches us of His love and forgiveness Which you need to grasp IMO.
Do stay with reading ... relax and enjoy the Master Teacher lifting His Word so that you do understand. I promise you you will not be disappointed if you stay with it and really want to know the truth He would have you know.