1036. The affirmations of Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church on the subject of hell are a call to the responsibility incumbent upon man to make use of his freedom in view of his eternal destiny. They are at the same time an urgent call to conversion: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”616
Since we know neither the day nor the hour, we should follow the advice of the Lord and watch constantly so that, when the single course of our earthly life is completed, we may merit to enter with him into the marriage feast and be numbered among the blessed, and not, like the wicked and slothful servants, be ordered to depart into the eternal fire, into the outer darkness where “men will weep and gnash their teeth.”617
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
41. In what way is God the truth?
201. Why does the Church have the power to forgive sins?
503. What is set forth by the seventh commandment?
269. Who can receive this sacrament?
306. Why can venial sins also be the object of sacramental confession?
500. How should children be considered?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the importance of gratitude and contentment according to the book of Ecclesiastes?
What is the role of spiritual gifts in building up the church, according to Ephesians 4:7-16?
What is the meaning of Christ’s death and how does it bring justification to sinners?
The Quest for Divine Justice: Tobias’ Example Against Israel’s Oppressors
What is the promise of the Messiah mentioned in Malachi 3:1-3?
How important is the reorganization of the Jerusalem temple described in 2 Maccabees 10:1-9?
