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in certain Christian beliefs, a temporary state of purification for souls after death, preparing them for entry into heaven
Purgatory is a belief in some Christian traditions that the souls of those who die in a state of grace, but still have some imperfections or sins to be purified, undergo a process of cleansing before they can enter heaven. Purgatory is not a place, but a condition or state of the soul that is different from the eternal punishment of the damned. Purgatory is based on the idea that nothing unclean can enter the presence of God, and that some souls need to be made ready for the joy of heaven by the grace of Christ.
- In Catholic theology, believers may undergo purification in purgatory to achieve holiness before entering heaven.
- Purgatory is seen by some Christians as a place of temporary cleansing for souls that haven't reached full sanctity.
- The concept of purgatory addresses the idea of post-death purification in preparation for eternal life.
- Believers who have died in a state of grace may go through purgatory to cleanse any remaining sins or imperfections.
- Purgatory is often associated with the idea of God's mercy and the opportunity for spiritual refinement beyond earthly life.
2
a temporary state of suffering or hardship, often as a transitional or corrective experience
- Waiting for the exam results felt like purgatory.
- The soldiers endured a purgatory of extreme heat and thirst.
- Recovering from the accident was a purgatory of pain and frustration.
- She described the long hospital stay as a purgatory.
- The team's losing streak was a purgatory of disappointment.