The Reformers correctly viewed purgatory as an insult to Christ’s saving work. On the basis of Scripture they held that all believers “have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10). It is by His suffering on the cross, not our suffering after death, that sins are purged: “Jesus also suffered…to make the people holy through His own blood” (Heb. 13:12). The Reformers also noted how Scripture does not allow for a “third place.” Jesus and His apostles consistently speak of only two destinies for humans: heaven and hell (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:6-10; Rev. 21:7-9; 22:14-15).
— Robert Peterson (b. 1948), Evangelikaler Theologe, Professor für Systematische Theologie und Buchautor
Related Bible passage: HEB.10.10
Topics: Grace & Redemption, Eternity & Hope Beyond Death, The Bible & the Word of God
Occasions: For Reflection
Robert Peterson
Robert A. Peterson (* 1948) ist ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Theologe und lehrte über viele Jahre als Professor für Systematische Theologie am Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Er vertritt eine dezidiert reformierte Bundestheologie und profilierte sich insbesondere mit Schriften zur Heilslehre sowie der Verteidigung der traditionellen Lehre von der ewigen Verdammnis. Für Bibelleser bietet sein Werk eine systematisch strukturierte Erschließung zentraler Themen wie der Rechtfertigung, der Heilsgewissheit und der göttlichen Adoption.
All quotes by Robert Peterson (14)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller