![]() This is apart from works, so no one can boast or earn his or her way to heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9).įurther, there is no other way to eternal life. ![]() However, eternal life is given to those who believe in Him. Jesus taught, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This clearly stands in contrast with the Roman Catholic tradition of purgatory that teaches a person still has the opportunity to change one's situation after this life or that the actions of those in this world can help a person move forward in the next life.Ī proper understanding of the afterlife emphasizes the clear teaching of Jesus-that salvation is necessary now in order to receive eternal life. The rich man could not "earn" his way out of eternal torment nor change his situation in any way. It is true that there will be a new heavens and a new earth, so in one sense there is a temporary heaven and hell but there is no place in between heaven and hell from which people can alter their eternal destiny.įurther, this passage also stresses the eternal nature of the afterlife. No "limbo" existed, only eternity with God or eternity apart from Him in torment. In fact, when the rich man requested for Lazarus to come and cool his tongue with water, Abraham said, "And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us" (Luke 16:26). However, a close look at the passage shows that after death only two locations exist-Lazarus at Abraham's side in the presence of God and the angels, and the rich man in everlasting torment. Some have sought to interpret Luke 16:19-31 as an account from Jesus that supports the idea of limbo. However, the Bible does not provide support for such an existence. This is sometimes applied to those who die from outside of the Catholic Church or children who die before being baptized or even in association with purgatory. ![]() The idea of "limbo" originates in some Roman Catholic traditions as the idea that a soul dwells in a state between heaven and hell after this life. ![]()
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