What term describes the state of final purification or cleansing, which one may need to enter following death and before entering Heaven?

• A. Heaven
• B. Purgatory
• C. Original Sin
• D. Indulgence

Answer: (B)

Purgatory is the state of final purification after death before entering Heaven. Some souls die in God’s grace and friendship but still need cleansing from remaining effects or penalties of sin. In that state, they are purified so they can be perfectly prepared to behold God in full joy. It’s not Heaven itself, nor the permanent consequence of Original Sin. Indulgences concern the remission of temporal punishment and can lessen what remains to be purified, but the place or state of purification itself is purgatory. This view supports the hope of eternal happiness with God, even for those who require cleansing before entering Heaven.