For centuries Protestants have rejected the doctrine of purgatory, claiming that it’s taught nowhere in Scripture and that it actually undermines crucial doctrines related to Christ’s all-sufficient sacrifice. Because he suffered in our place and died for our sins “once for all” (Heb. 10:10), Christians have no need of any additional purging or purification. So how and when did the doctrine of purgatory develop, and what sort of changes is this doctrine currently undergoing in the world of Catholicism? Shane Rosenthal discusses this issue with Michael McClymond, author of The Devil’s Redemption.
Related Article: Blessed Are the Pure in Heart? by Shane Rosenthal
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I don’t see how you can say that Christ makes satisfaction for my sins and that “I” make satisfaction for my sins. If Christ did make satisfaction for my sins, would not God be unjust in requiring me to make satisfaction, as well? These are completely at odds with one another. If you believe in Purgatory and that idea of making satisfaction, what you are really saying is that Christ “kind of” died for us or for some of them, or maybe the really bad sins — but the little venial sins, we take care of ourselves.
Michael McClymond
