What Does It Mean To Be "saved"?

[Joolye]

One other thing.  From my dialoguing with protestants that I deal with, most of them look upon being saved as the moment they first accepted Christ, and that's it; Catholics realize that it is a lifelong process.  Protestants are concerned about "are you saved now" or "when were you saved" whereas we Catholics are worried about the state of our soul at the moment of death.

From what you've said, it seems like you believe that all protestants believe in Once Saved Always Saved.

I agree with your perspective (except what you said about what Protestants are concerned about). I agree that it is your spiritual state when you die that matters, and it is about growing into closer relationship with God.

Now, this whole post is a discussion about salvation and knowing whether people are saved. I don't think it is for us to say that a person is saved because.... or that a person is not saved because..... Only God knows the state of a person's heart and only he knows where they will be going when they die. So why do we even try to figure that out for ourselves?

Now, off the topic: This Purgatory, is that like the Refiner's fire?

[Anna]

*hand goes to head, feeling whoosey*

I agree with everything Joolye just said!

And yes, purgatory is like the refiner's fire.

The souls detained in purgatory have the blessed assurance of knowing that they are going to heaven. They've been judged worthy, just need to put on the proper attire for the great wedding feast! So, it is not entirely unpleasant, but the longing is very great...being that close to heaven...These souls are burning with desire to be united with the Lord.