RR MY VISIT TO “PURGATORY” – WILL YOU ALSO VISIT? (Part 2 of 2) By Dr. Raymond Finney
Shavuah Tov,
INTRODUCTION: In Part 1 of this series (August 10), I discussed purgatory, as part of Roman Catholic Church dogma, and “purgatory,” as a self-imposed review of past life with the goal of purging unwholesome, sinful parts of that life. The Apostle Paul, languishing under Roman arrest, reviewed his life, as he neared its end. As an octogenarian, it is inevitable that I anticipate my death. There is a terminal sequence of life– death and, then, judgment. (Hebrews 9:27: And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this judgment,….)
Due to illness (long COVID), I have been confined to bed rest, and now limited mobility. During this time, I voluntarily entered my “purgatory,” purging myself of any ill feelings I have against my neighbors. I am now free of anxiety. I have no animus toward any person. I am on the way to enjoy God’s perfect peace. (Philippians 4:7: And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.)
Paul was confident he had done the things God required of him. (2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future there is reserved for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day– and not to me only, but also to everyone who has longed for His appearing.)
HOW DO YOU VISIT “PURGATORY?” WHAT SINS DO YOU NEED TO PURGE? I have enjoyed a peaceful life. God has showered me with His grace and blessings. I have a wonderful family (wife, children, and grandchildren) – a family which has caused me no grief. I live in a peaceful neighborhood and city. My partners at work were most congenial gentlemen. I am by nature a peaceful, easy-going person. Even so, over the years I have offended people and people have offended me. Understanding Scriptures that I need to forgive others, I sought forgiveness in my “purgatory.” I had to forgive all persons who have sinned against me.
A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR “PURGATORY” VISIT. I do not remember hearing or reading a message of imposing “purgatory” on oneself, but I believe it is a useful exercise for self-improvement and becoming God’s servant worthy of the name. Several questions occurred (a few of which appear below). You may think of others. The answers are my thoughts. You may have different viewpoints. You alone are responsible for your spiritual well-being. (Philippians 2:12: Therefore, my loved ones, just as you have always obeyed— not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence— work out your salvation with fear and trembling.)
QUESTION 1. How can I forgive others against whom I have sinned or who have sinned against me, when many of them are dead or missing in my life?
ANSWER TO Q 1. In my advanced years, this was a problem for me. I could not locate most people with whom I have had conflict (death, moving out of area, my home confinement, etc.). I offered a blanket forgiveness for offended people whom I could not locate or remember. I never think or speak ill of anyone in this group. This en masse forgiveness is not the same as face-to-face apologies, but it is the best I can do. It may be the best you can do.
QUESTION 2. Must I forgive someone who has committed a crime against me?
ANSWER TO Q 2. You may have been a victim of a heinous crime (rape, incest, domestic abuse, theft, murder or vehicular homicide of a family member, and so forth). Such situation is complicated. My view is that you should personally forgive the perpetrator. But, you should cooperate with government officials, when they wish to try the perpetrator for his/her crime. Otherwise, the rapist may rape again, the thief may steal again, the murderer may kill again, the drunken driver may drive impaired again, and so forth. Although not His original meaning, I believe we can extrapolate from one of Yeshua’s teachings. (Mark 12:17: Then Yeshua said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were completely amazed at Him.) In other words, let “Caesar” (the government) prosecute the perpetrator and you forgive him/her in Yeshua’s name. “Caesar” (the government) has the responsibility of protecting the public from lawbreakers. Yeshua also taught that a Believer should love and do good for his/her enemies (Luke 6:27-36) and should turn the other cheek, when assaulted by an enemy (Matthew 5:38-40).
QUESTION 3: In a Scripture verse quoted in the August 10 part, we are told to “go” to an offended brother. (Matthew 5:23-24: [Yeshua said] “Therefore if you are presenting your offering upon the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.) Must I be physically present to ask forgiveness?
ANSWER TO Q 3: I personally prefer person-to-person conversations, but in our mobile society this is not always practical (or even safe). You may not be able to locate the offended person (for reasons previously stated). Or, you may be in danger by a face-to-face encounter (abusive former spouse, rapist, etc.). Use discretion and maintain personal safety. If you must substitute an impersonal method for a personal meeting, I believe your Divine Judge will understand. We sometimes get so tied up with ritual and literal interpretations that we forget that the Godhead is omniscient, loving, and gracious.
QUESTION 4: If I ask my offended brother/sister for forgiveness and he/she refuses to accept all overtures from me, what next?
ANSWER TO Q 4: You may seek shalom between yourself and another person, but that person may refuse. He/she may not have healed from the original words or actions. Or, he/she may just like to argue and always “be at war” over issues. I have known people who seemingly cannot exist in a world free of turmoil. In Yeshua’s time, His advice was somewhat simpler than in our time. Yeshua was dealing with a society of few religions, whereas we deal with a society containing at least two forms of Catholicism and Protestantism with a’”cazillion” number of denominations. Estimates of number of Protestant denominations include 50,000, 33,000, less? This large number of denominations is shameful since Yeshua wanted His followers to be “one body.” Nonetheless, the Bible does provide guidance in settling disputes among Believers. The Apostle Paul informed Believers to settle differences among themselves, not in courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Yeshua taught that an aggrieved Believer must forgive repeatedly. (Matthew 18:21-22: Then Peter came to [Yeshua] and said, “Master, how often shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Yeshua said to him, “No, not up to seven times, I tell you, but seventy times seven!”) “Seventy times seven” should not be taken as a literal number, but Yeshua’s idea is that we must always be willing to forgive and forgive as often as necessary. Yeshua explained His Model Prayer (Matthew 6:14-15): [Yeshua said] “For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”) Paul taught the same (Ephesians 4:32: Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other just as God in Messiah also forgave you.)
QUESTION 5: What might be God’s response, if I fail to forgive?
ANSWER TO Q 5: This answer is scattered throughout the Bible, but consider Yeshua’s parable in Matthew 18:23-35. In this parable, a king (God) wished to settle debts with his subjects (judgment of sinful humans). The king excused the debt of one subject, but the forgiven subject cruelly mistreated other subjects who owed him money. The king (God) was outraged that mercy shown to the subject was not shown to others. There is a recurring theme of proportionality in Scriptures. God’s mercy toward us seems proportional to the mercy we show to others.
QUESTION 6: My prayer requests seem to go unanswered. Why?
ANSWER TO Q 6: Previously cited Scriptures indicate we must forgive others before we can be in fellowship with God. If we fail to forgive others and be generous with them, why should we expect God to forgive and bless us?
LET US KNOW. If you decide to enter your own “purgatory” and purge yourself of all ill feelings toward people who have sinned against you, we would be interested in your experience– positive, negative, indifferent. Write a brief note to Rabbi Weiner ( rabbi@syknox.org ), and he will forward your note to me.
Until we meet on September 7 to study God’s precious Word together, Shalom and Maranatha,
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun24-Aug 202530th of Av, 5785Rosh Chodesh Elul Day 1
De 16:18-17:13, Nu 28:11-15 Hos 7-82 Ch 1Phm (Jn 16)
INTRODUCTION: In Part 1 of this series (August 10), I discussed purgatory, as part of Roman Catholic Church dogma, and “purgatory,” as a self-imposed review of past life with the goal of purging unwholesome, sinful parts of that life. The Apostle Paul, languishing under Roman arrest, reviewed his life, as he neared its end. As an octogenarian, it is inevitable that I anticipate my death. There is a terminal sequence of life– death and, then, judgment. (Hebrews 9:27: And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this judgment,….)
Due to illness (long COVID), I have been confined to bed rest, and now limited mobility. During this time, I voluntarily entered my “purgatory,” purging myself of any ill feelings I have against my neighbors. I am now free of anxiety. I have no animus toward any person. I am on the way to enjoy God’s perfect peace. (Philippians 4:7: And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.)
Paul was confident he had done the things God required of him. (2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future there is reserved for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day– and not to me only, but also to everyone who has longed for His appearing.)
HOW DO YOU VISIT “PURGATORY?” WHAT SINS DO YOU NEED TO PURGE? I have enjoyed a peaceful life. God has showered me with His grace and blessings. I have a wonderful family (wife, children, and grandchildren) – a family which has caused me no grief. I live in a peaceful neighborhood and city. My partners at work were most congenial gentlemen. I am by nature a peaceful, easy-going person. Even so, over the years I have offended people and people have offended me. Understanding Scriptures that I need to forgive others, I sought forgiveness in my “purgatory.” I had to forgive all persons who have sinned against me.
A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR “PURGATORY” VISIT. I do not remember hearing or reading a message of imposing “purgatory” on oneself, but I believe it is a useful exercise for self-improvement and becoming God’s servant worthy of the name. Several questions occurred (a few of which appear below). You may think of others. The answers are my thoughts. You may have different viewpoints. You alone are responsible for your spiritual well-being. (Philippians 2:12: Therefore, my loved ones, just as you have always obeyed— not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence— work out your salvation with fear and trembling.)
QUESTION 1. How can I forgive others against whom I have sinned or who have sinned against me, when many of them are dead or missing in my life?
ANSWER TO Q 1. In my advanced years, this was a problem for me. I could not locate most people with whom I have had conflict (death, moving out of area, my home confinement, etc.). I offered a blanket forgiveness for offended people whom I could not locate or remember. I never think or speak ill of anyone in this group. This en masse forgiveness is not the same as face-to-face apologies, but it is the best I can do. It may be the best you can do.
QUESTION 2. Must I forgive someone who has committed a crime against me?
ANSWER TO Q 2. You may have been a victim of a heinous crime (rape, incest, domestic abuse, theft, murder or vehicular homicide of a family member, and so forth). Such situation is complicated. My view is that you should personally forgive the perpetrator. But, you should cooperate with government officials, when they wish to try the perpetrator for his/her crime. Otherwise, the rapist may rape again, the thief may steal again, the murderer may kill again, the drunken driver may drive impaired again, and so forth. Although not His original meaning, I believe we can extrapolate from one of Yeshua’s teachings. (Mark 12:17: Then Yeshua said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were completely amazed at Him.) In other words, let “Caesar” (the government) prosecute the perpetrator and you forgive him/her in Yeshua’s name. “Caesar” (the government) has the responsibility of protecting the public from lawbreakers. Yeshua also taught that a Believer should love and do good for his/her enemies (Luke 6:27-36) and should turn the other cheek, when assaulted by an enemy (Matthew 5:38-40).
QUESTION 3: In a Scripture verse quoted in the August 10 part, we are told to “go” to an offended brother. (Matthew 5:23-24: [Yeshua said] “Therefore if you are presenting your offering upon the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.) Must I be physically present to ask forgiveness?
ANSWER TO Q 3: I personally prefer person-to-person conversations, but in our mobile society this is not always practical (or even safe). You may not be able to locate the offended person (for reasons previously stated). Or, you may be in danger by a face-to-face encounter (abusive former spouse, rapist, etc.). Use discretion and maintain personal safety. If you must substitute an impersonal method for a personal meeting, I believe your Divine Judge will understand. We sometimes get so tied up with ritual and literal interpretations that we forget that the Godhead is omniscient, loving, and gracious.
QUESTION 4: If I ask my offended brother/sister for forgiveness and he/she refuses to accept all overtures from me, what next?
ANSWER TO Q 4: You may seek shalom between yourself and another person, but that person may refuse. He/she may not have healed from the original words or actions. Or, he/she may just like to argue and always “be at war” over issues. I have known people who seemingly cannot exist in a world free of turmoil. In Yeshua’s time, His advice was somewhat simpler than in our time. Yeshua was dealing with a society of few religions, whereas we deal with a society containing at least two forms of Catholicism and Protestantism with a’”cazillion” number of denominations. Estimates of number of Protestant denominations include 50,000, 33,000, less? This large number of denominations is shameful since Yeshua wanted His followers to be “one body.” Nonetheless, the Bible does provide guidance in settling disputes among Believers. The Apostle Paul informed Believers to settle differences among themselves, not in courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Yeshua taught that an aggrieved Believer must forgive repeatedly. (Matthew 18:21-22: Then Peter came to [Yeshua] and said, “Master, how often shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Yeshua said to him, “No, not up to seven times, I tell you, but seventy times seven!”) “Seventy times seven” should not be taken as a literal number, but Yeshua’s idea is that we must always be willing to forgive and forgive as often as necessary. Yeshua explained His Model Prayer (Matthew 6:14-15): [Yeshua said] “For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”) Paul taught the same (Ephesians 4:32: Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other just as God in Messiah also forgave you.)
QUESTION 5: What might be God’s response, if I fail to forgive?
ANSWER TO Q 5: This answer is scattered throughout the Bible, but consider Yeshua’s parable in Matthew 18:23-35. In this parable, a king (God) wished to settle debts with his subjects (judgment of sinful humans). The king excused the debt of one subject, but the forgiven subject cruelly mistreated other subjects who owed him money. The king (God) was outraged that mercy shown to the subject was not shown to others. There is a recurring theme of proportionality in Scriptures. God’s mercy toward us seems proportional to the mercy we show to others.
QUESTION 6: My prayer requests seem to go unanswered. Why?
ANSWER TO Q 6: Previously cited Scriptures indicate we must forgive others before we can be in fellowship with God. If we fail to forgive others and be generous with them, why should we expect God to forgive and bless us?
LET US KNOW. If you decide to enter your own “purgatory” and purge yourself of all ill feelings toward people who have sinned against you, we would be interested in your experience– positive, negative, indifferent. Write a brief note to Rabbi Weiner ( rabbi@syknox.org ), and he will forward your note to me.
Until we meet on September 7 to study God’s precious Word together, Shalom and Maranatha,
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun24-Aug 202530th of Av, 5785Rosh Chodesh Elul Day 1
De 16:18-17:13, Nu 28:11-15 Hos 7-82 Ch 1Phm (Jn 16)
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