Revision #14235
Limbo
Localized for English-speaking readers (msgbatch_01GvFKF6zaroxwZ2RCatyoPp)
Status: approved
Changes from the previous English revision
= ## Definition and Meaning
- The word *limbo* comes from the Latin *limbus*, meaning "edge" or "border." It refers to the "border of hell," a state that is neither heaven nor hell, and it is commonly explained in two forms.
+ Limbo is held to be a state that is neither heaven nor hell, the "border of hell." The word comes from the Latin *limbus*, meaning "edge" or "border." Limbo is commonly explained in two forms.
=
- - **Limbo of the Fathers** (*limbus patrum*): the place where the righteous of the Old Testament who died before Christ are said to have waited for Christ's redemption. In the Korean Catholic Church it is also called *goseongso* (古聖所, "the place of the ancient saints").
+ - **Limbo of the Fathers** (*limbus patrum*): the place where the Old Testament righteous who died before Christ are said to have waited for Christ's redemption.
= - **Limbo of Infants** (*limbus infantium*): the place where infants who died without baptism, bearing only original sin (the sin inherited from Adam), are said to dwell. It was described as a state in which they suffer no torment but do not enjoy the blessing of seeing God directly.
=
…
= The word *limbo* does not appear in the Bible. The Limbo of the Fathers has been explained on the basis of several passages: "Abraham's bosom" in the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:22); 1 Peter 3:19, which says that Christ "preached unto the spirits in prison"; and Ephesians 4:8–10.
=
- The Limbo of Infants arose from an understanding of baptism as necessary for salvation. Augustine held that unbaptized infants are also punished, though with the mildest punishment. Medieval scholastic theologians are known to have softened this view, formulating the concept of limbo as a state without punishment.
+ The Limbo of Infants arose from an understanding of baptism as necessary for salvation. Augustine held that unbaptized infants receive punishment, though the mildest kind. Medieval scholastic theologians are known to have softened this view, formulating the concept of limbo as a state without punishment.
=
- The Roman Catholic Church has never proclaimed limbo as official dogma. The 1992 *Catechism of the Catholic Church* states that infants who die without baptism are entrusted to the mercy of God. In 2007 the International Theological Commission of the Holy See issued a document stating that there are grounds for hope for the salvation of such infants.
+ The Roman Catholic Church has never proclaimed limbo as official dogma. The 1992 *Catechism of the Catholic Church* entrusts infants who die without baptism to the mercy of God. In 2007 the International Theological Commission of the Holy See issued a document stating that there are grounds for hope for the salvation of such infants.
=
- ## Practice in the Korean Church
- Since the Reformation, Protestants have rejected limbo, along with purgatory, as lacking biblical foundation. Accordingly, in Korean Protestantism limbo is mentioned mainly when introducing Catholic doctrine or when addressing the question of the salvation of children who die young. The way infant salvation is explained varies according to denominational tradition.
+ ## Practice in Korean Churches
+ Since the Reformation, Protestants have rejected limbo, along with purgatory, as lacking biblical foundation. In Korean Protestant churches, accordingly, limbo is mentioned mainly when introducing Catholic doctrine or when addressing the question of the salvation of children who die young. The way infant salvation is explained varies according to denominational tradition.
=
= - **Presbyterian**: Chapter 10, section 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith confesses that elect infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit. Chapter 32, section 1 recognizes only two places for souls separated from their bodies: heaven and hell.
…
Full revision
Limbo is the place where the souls of unbaptized infants, or of the righteous who died before Christ, were believed to dwell. The concept developed in medieval Roman Catholic theology and is generally not accepted by Protestants.
Definition and Meaning
Limbo is held to be a state that is neither heaven nor hell, the "border of hell." The word comes from the Latin limbus, meaning "edge" or "border." Limbo is commonly explained in two forms.
- Limbo of the Fathers (limbus patrum): the place where the Old Testament righteous who died before Christ are said to have waited for Christ's redemption.
- Limbo of Infants (limbus infantium): the place where infants who died without baptism, bearing only original sin (the sin inherited from Adam), are said to dwell. It was described as a state in which they suffer no torment but do not enjoy the blessing of seeing God directly.
Biblical and Historical Background
The word limbo does not appear in the Bible. The Limbo of the Fathers has been explained on the basis of several passages: "Abraham's bosom" in the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:22); 1 Peter 3:19, which says that Christ "preached unto the spirits in prison"; and Ephesians 4:8–10.
The Limbo of Infants arose from an understanding of baptism as necessary for salvation. Augustine held that unbaptized infants receive punishment, though the mildest kind. Medieval scholastic theologians are known to have softened this view, formulating the concept of limbo as a state without punishment.
The Roman Catholic Church has never proclaimed limbo as official dogma. The 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church entrusts infants who die without baptism to the mercy of God. In 2007 the International Theological Commission of the Holy See issued a document stating that there are grounds for hope for the salvation of such infants.
Practice in Korean Churches
Since the Reformation, Protestants have rejected limbo, along with purgatory, as lacking biblical foundation. In Korean Protestant churches, accordingly, limbo is mentioned mainly when introducing Catholic doctrine or when addressing the question of the salvation of children who die young. The way infant salvation is explained varies according to denominational tradition.
- Presbyterian: Chapter 10, section 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith confesses that elect infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit. Chapter 32, section 1 recognizes only two places for souls separated from their bodies: heaven and hell.
- Methodist and Holiness: These traditions often teach that the prevenient grace of Wesleyan theology (the grace God extends before a person believes) and the atonement of Christ extend to infants as well.
- Baptist: Baptists do not practice infant baptism, and many hold that children who die before they are old enough to profess faith for themselves are saved by the grace of God.