Purgatory is a theological concept within some Christian traditions, depicting a state of purification and preparation for heaven after death. While not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the idea of purification and spiritual refinement finds resonance in certain biblical principles and teachings. Let’s look into some Bible verses that provide insights into the themes of purification, redemption, and the journey toward holiness, offering perspectives on the concept of purgatory and its significance within Christian belief and practice.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Taking Care Of Others
Bible Verses About Purgatory
1 Corinthians 3:13-15
“Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”
This verse hints at the concept of purgatory, as it speaks of a testing of each person’s work by fire. It suggests that there will be a purification process after death, where some will be saved but will suffer loss for their imperfect works. This can be interpreted as a temporary state of purification before entering into the fullness of heaven.
Matthew 5:26
“Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
This verse implies the existence of a place or state where one can pay their debts before entering into full communion with God. It suggests that there may be a purification process after death, where individuals are held accountable for their sins until they have made restitution.
2 Maccabees 12:46
“Thus, he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.”
Although this verse is not part of the Protestant canon, it is included in the Catholic and Orthodox canons. It speaks of making atonement for the dead, indicating the belief in a place or state where sins can be cleansed. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where individuals can be freed from the effects of sin through the prayers and offerings of the living.
1 Peter 3:19-20
“After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.”
This verse suggests that Jesus, after his death, went to proclaim to imprisoned spirits who were disobedient in the past. It implies the existence of a place or state where souls are held captive, awaiting liberation or judgment. This aligns with the belief in purgatory, a temporary state of purification before entering into eternal life.
Jeremiah 32:18
“You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD Almighty.”
This verse highlights the idea that the consequences of sin may extend beyond one’s own lifetime. It suggests that God holds individuals accountable for the sins of their parents, indicating the possibility of a purgatorial state where these consequences can be addressed and reconciled.
Luke 16:19-31
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”
This parable told by Jesus suggests the existence of a temporary place of punishment or purification after death. The rich man is described as being in torment in Hades while Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom. This story serves as a metaphorical depiction of the separation between the righteous and the unrighteous after death, indicating the possibility of a purgatorial state.
Revelation 21:27
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
This verse speaks about the ultimate destination of the righteous, the new Jerusalem. It suggests that nothing impure will enter it, emphasizing the need for purification from sin before entering into the fullness of heaven. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls undergo a process of purification to be made worthy of the eternal presence of God.
1 Corinthians 15:29
“Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?”
This verse alludes to a practice called baptism for the dead, which was likely part of the early Christian community’s belief and practice. It implies that there is an opportunity for the deceased to benefit from baptism, suggesting the existence of a state after death where purification can take place. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls can receive the benefits of baptism even after their earthly lives have ended.
2 Timothy 1:16-18
“May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.”
In this passage, Paul prays for mercy upon the household of Onesiphorus. Although Onesiphorus has already died, Paul intercedes for him, suggesting the belief in the power of prayer and intercession for the deceased. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where the living can offer prayers and acts of mercy on behalf of the souls in need of purification.
Hebrews 12:23
“To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”
This verse speaks of the spirits of the righteous being made perfect. It suggests that there is a process of perfection or purification that occurs after death, aligning with the concept of purgatory. It implies that the journey towards perfection continues even after this earthly life, leading to the ultimate perfection and communion with God.
Wisdom 3:1-6
“But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish, they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.”
This passage from the book of Wisdom speaks about the fate of the righteous after death. It suggests that although the righteous may face punishment and undergo discipline, they are ultimately at peace and filled with hope for immortality. The imagery of being tested and refined in the furnace alludes to a purgatorial process, where the souls are purified and made worthy of God’s presence.
Luke 23:43
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This verse contains Jesus’ response to one of the criminals crucified alongside him. He assures the criminal that they will be together in paradise that day. This verse can be interpreted as evidence of an immediate entrance into heaven after death. However, it does not exclude the possibility of a purgatorial state for those who are not immediately ready for the fullness of God’s presence.
1 Peter 4:6
“For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.”
This verse suggests that the gospel was preached to the dead so that they might be judged according to human standards. It implies the existence of a state after death where individuals can be reached with the message of salvation. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls have the opportunity to be purified and live according to God’s standards.
Revelation 20:12-13
“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.”
This passage describes a scene of judgment, where the dead are standing before the throne of God. The fact that they are judged based on what they had done suggests the possibility of a state after death where individuals will face the consequences of their actions. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls can be purified and prepared for the final judgment.
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
This verse emphasizes the universal accountability of all human beings before the judgment seat of Christ. It suggests that there will be a reckoning for the actions done during one’s life. This is in line with the concept of purgatory, where souls undergo a process of accountability and purification before entering into the fullness of heaven.
Romans 14:10
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
This verse reminds believers that all will stand before God’s judgment seat. It emphasizes the need for humility and warns against judging or treating others with contempt. This verse supports the belief in a purgatorial state, where individuals will face the judgment of God and receive his divine justice and mercy.
Isaiah 4:4
“The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.”
This verse speaks metaphorically about God cleansing and purifying Jerusalem from filth and bloodstains. It suggests the idea of purification through a spirit of judgment and fire. This imagery aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls are cleansed and made pure through a process of divine purification.
Hebrews 9:27
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
This verse highlights the inevitability of death and the subsequent judgment that follows. It suggests that there will be a time of judgment for each individual, indicating the possibility of a state or process after death where purification and accountability take place. This notion aligns with the concept of purgatory.
Matthew 12:32
“Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
This verse implies the existence of a possibility for forgiveness in the age to come. It suggests that there may be a chance for repentance and reconciliation beyond this present life. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where sins can be forgiven and souls can be purified even after death.
Psalm 51:2
“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
This verse from the Psalms shows the psalmist’s plea for God to wash away their iniquity and cleanse them from sin. It is a prayer for forgiveness and purification. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls can undergo a process of purification and forgiveness through the grace and mercy of God.
Sirach 7:36
“In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin.”
This verse reminds believers to always remember the end of their life and to live in a way that avoids sin. It emphasizes the need for constant self-reflection and spiritual growth. This awareness aligns with the concept of purgatory, as it encourages individuals to strive for holiness and purity in anticipation of facing the judgment of God.
Luke 12:58-59
“As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
This parable told by Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciliation before facing judgment. It suggests that there may be a time or state after death where reconciliation and payment of debts are necessary. This aligns with the concept of purgatory, where souls can be reconciled and purified before entering into the fullness of God’s presence.
What Does the Bible Say About Purgatory?
The Bible does not explicitly mention the concept of purgatory. The idea of purgatory comes from some traditions within the Catholic Church, which teaches that it is a temporary state of purification for those who have died in a state of grace but are not yet ready to enter heaven.
In contrast, as Protestant Christians, our understanding comes from the teachings of the Bible. The Bible teaches that upon death, believers go to be with the Lord in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8), and non-believers go to a place of separation from God (Luke 16:22-23). There is no mention of a temporary state of purification such as purgatory.
Furthermore, the concept of purgatory raises questions about the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Bible teaches that Jesus’ death on the cross fully atoned for our sins and that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Believers are justified by faith in Christ alone, and there is no need for further purification after death.
We believe that our hope of salvation and purification comes from our faith in Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7) and presents us blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy (Jude 1:24). Therefore, as Christians, we hold to the belief that the concept of purgatory is not supported by the clear teachings of the Bible, and our faith and trust in the finished work of Christ are sufficient for our salvation and purification.