That Divine judgment, immediately following death, in whlch the eternal lot of each separate soul is justly determined. That this is an article of faith is clearly implied in the Union Decree of Eugene IV (1439). The existence of the Particular Judgment may be inferred from the parable of Lazarus and Dives (Luke 16), from the promise of Christ to the penitent thief (Luke 23), and from other passages in Holy Scripture where it is clearly indicated that the soul's eternal lot will be determined immediately after death. After this judgment, the soul will enter heaven, hell, or purgatory. Souls of those who die in the state of sanctifying grace will be saved. Those in the state of mortal sin will be condemned. See also:
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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