What does the Purgatorial Doctrine state regarding the soul?

The Purgatorial Doctrine holds that the soul must undergo a process of purification before it can enter heaven. This belief is particularly prevalent in Catholic theology, where purgatory is viewed as a temporary state for souls who have died in a state of grace but still require atonement for their minor sins or the temporal punishment resulting from sin.

The idea is that many believers may not be fully prepared to enter the holiness of heaven due to unconfessed venial sins or the need to be cleansed of the effects of sin. Therefore, the doctrine asserts that these souls are purified in purgatory, allowing them to eventually achieve the sanctity required to enter into heaven.

This understanding emphasizes the mercy of God, as it provides a path for souls to be made pure, showing that while immediate entry into heaven is not granted, there is hope for redemption and eventual union with God. The focus on purification aligns with the larger theological concepts of justice and grace within this belief system.