The Catechism of the Summa - Tertia Pars - XLIV. OF THE INTERMEDIARY STATE OF THOSE SOULS WHO AFTER DEATH ARE AWAITING THE DAY OF THE LAST RESURRECTION; AND OF PURGATORY (A)

(A)
To what end does Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death by His Blood, lead the human race?

He leads it to that end which is life eternal in the glory of heaven through all eternity.

Are men given this immortal life in heaven immediately by the action of the redeeming power of Jesus Christ?

No; for although Christ's sacred humanity and the power of the sacraments could bring human nature immediately to this life of glory, it is fitting according to the divine wisdom that human nature should run the course of its evolution. Hence all those who have received baptism and participate in the sacraments of Jesus Christ, even after their personal sanctification is accomplished, have to remain in this life subject to its penalties, and to the worst of all, which is death (LXIX. 1).

It is then only at the end of human generations that death will be definitely conquered, and that men who were bought by the Blood of Jesus Christ will be fully compensated by the glory of both their body and soul in heaven?

Yes, only then will they receive their full compensation; and in the meantime they are in an intermediary state.

What is meant by this intermediary state?

By this is meant that they do not receive immediately the recompense of their meritorious life. All will receive either recompense or chastisement, as the case may be, in its fulness on the day of the resurrection, and whatever it be it will endure for all eternity (LXIX. 2).

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