“What happens after we die?” This is certainly one of the most asked questions in the world. When we seek answers to questions like this, we often divert our attention to the concept of purgatory.

Purgatory is one of many doctrines used to explain the mysteriousness of the afterlife. There are varying definitions and understandings of purgatory. However, these definitions do have a common denominator. Let us talk about it.

Meaning of Purgatory

Purgatory is a place of agony in the spirit world inhabited by sinful souls. The concept of purgatory is built on the premise that sinful souls who leave this world will get the punishment they deserve. 

Some religious organizations believe that purgatory is the place where souls who didn’t die in God’s favour go to be purified, and after purification, these souls are then taken to heaven. 

Both definitions given above are different. However, they agree that purgatory is a place for sinners who have died. What differs is their understanding of what exactly happens in purgatory.

Understanding the Concept of Purgatory

The concept of purgatory aims to solve the uncertainty shrouding the afterlife. My understanding of purgatory is similar to the idea of hellfire. Hellfire is another concept used to unshroud the afterlife.

In purgatory, suffering souls can beg other spiritual beings to reach out to their friends and family to warn them. Souls in purgatory can also be given second chances by God if He wishes. These souls can pray to God for another chance and promise to be better people if their prayers are answered.

The soul and astral body are the tickets that determine if you will go to purgatory or not. To avoid purgatory, you must:

• Purify your mind and body
• Remove thoughts of hate, jealousy, prejudice, and fear
• Clean your spiritual body by avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking

Failure to abide by these rules will lead to poisoning your astral and mental bodies, hence blocking their path to God.

The concept of purgatory in modern spirituality is focused on people making atonement for their actions on earth. Purgatory teaches souls the essence of sanctifying their spiritual bodies while alive.