quote:

---

Originally posted by Robby:
I have a question, I'm wondering if the concept of the dead suffering in a place of fiery torment would be considered a work?

For example, Roman Catholics believe in a place called "Purgatory" where the souls of dead people are sent to suffer for their sins before they go to heaven.

Now, the definition of a work is: To exert one's self for a purpose; to put forth effort for the attainment of an object; to labor, to be engaged in the performance of a task, a duty, or the like.

So the idea of "Purgatory", as I understand it, is that souls are enduring punishment of unquenchable fire and toiling to have their sins removed.

Now I'm not saying I believe in the doctrine of "Purgatory". The thing is though, souls would have found themselves in such an underworld because of their lack of faith in the redeeming blood of Jesus. They'f be trusting in their own works to save them, instead of Jesus' finished work on the cross.

Also, James 2:14-26 points out that faith without works is dead. If the souls are toiling in "Purgatory", then their "dead works" whether on earth or in the depths of Gehenna avail to nothing.

So the concept of working off your sins in "Purgatory" would be in vain. I believe that you cannot get to heaven without abiding in Christ, and believe in your heart that you are covered in the shed blood of Jesus for salvation.

Those are my thoughts on this topic. What do you think, would the concept of the removal of your sins in an abode of death be considered a work?

---