"Laz" said: >> CathApol - then explain purgatory...which keeps us (albeit temporarily) from Christ in the first place....AND...allows for the situation where others can improve our lot by their effectual prayers. So, I see the individual and ALSO his friends ADDING to the finished work of Christ. <<

[color:green]Scott replies: The "finished work of Christ on the Cross" provides for all who believe in Him and accept Him (which necessarily means they must "do" what He has asked of them) brings us to salvation. Every single soul in Purgatory IS ALREADY SAVED! They have attained that "finished work of Christ." Nothing can "add to" salvation once judged - nor take that salvation away; it is finished. Purgatory is where any unconfessed venial sins and/or sins not fully contrite for - are "purged" or "cleansed" as Scripture states, "nothing unclean can enter heaven." The "effectual prayers" of "friends" may reduce the time spent in Purgatory - but doesn't add one iota to their salvation - that's already a "done deal."

Purgatory is not for anyone who has the stain of "sins that kill" (mortal sins) remaining after they pass on. Anyone in such a state have already been judged and damned to hell - there is no Purgatory, and no amount of prayers from friends can help them.

In JMJ,
Scott<<<