Frank Sofie I. Introduction.
Purgatory is a doctrine greatly misunderstood.
A proper understanding of its meaning is absolutely imperative for a proper analysis of the doctrine. Any soul in purgatory is destined for heaven inevitably. The popular understanding of purgatory, i.e., praying people into heaven from hell, is therefore incorrect. Purgatory is the state, after death, where souls who are not yet perfected in their love for God, are purified before admittance to the all holy God. If I have any unrepented venial sins, these must be purified since God and sin cannot coexist.