It is customary for November to be a time to consider “The Last things”. I am presenting here the outline for a Catechetical Bible study concerning Death, Judgment, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell, the Resurrection, and the New Creation. Some of the Questions that will be answered in the next few weeks will be:
-What ever happened to Limbo? CCC# 1261
-Where is Purgatory in the Bible?1Cor 3:15, 2Mac 12:44-46
-When will the end of the world come? Mt 24:36-44
-Why would a loving God send anyone to Hell for all eternity? CCC 1033, 1037
-Will my loved ones know me in Heaven?1Jn3:2 CCC #1053
The following graph presents in an abbreviated form some points of doctrine, and where the Catholic teaching can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. The bulletin letter from the Rector will spell out the answer to the questions and the explanation of the doctrine in more detail.
Doctrine Catechism Bible
Death
-Death entered the world as a result of sin CCC #1006-1008 Rom 5:12, 6:23
-Death is changed and conquered by Christ CCC#1009-1014 Rom 5:19-21
-Death is the completion of Baptism CCC#1010 2Tim 2:11
Rom 6:3-9
Judgment
The Last Judgment or General Judgment CCC #1038-41, 1059 Mt 25:31-46
Rev. 20:11
The Particular Judgment CCC #1021-1022, 1051. Rev 21:27
Heb 9:27
2Cor 5:10
Heaven
Wonderful Beyond description CCC #1023-1029 1Cor 2:9
Rev. 21:22
Rev. 22:1
Purgatory
A place of purification CCC # 1030-1032, 1054 1Cor 3:10-17
We can help the souls there 2Mac 12:44-46
Debt forgiven after death Mt 5:26
Mortal and venial sins 1John 5:16-17
sins already forgiven require reparation 2Sam 12:13-14
Hell
Hell exists CCC #1033-1037, Rev. 21:8
Hell is eternal 1056-1057 Mt 25:41-46
There are souls there Jude 7
Resurrection
We will all be reunited with our bodies CCC # 996-1004, 1Thes 4:13-18
1016-1017, 1052 1Cor 15:50
Jesus promised resurrection to believers Jn 6
The New Creation
The Material universe continues CCC # 1042-1050,1060 Rom 8:19-23
Rev 21:1-8