The concept of purgatory is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, some verses have been interpreted by certain Christian denominations as suggesting the existence of an intermediate state after death where souls undergo a final purification before entering heaven. Here is an overview of key biblical passages related to purgatory and how they have been understood:
2 Maccabees 12:42-45
This passage from a Deuterocanonical book accepted as scripture by Catholic and Orthodox Christians describes Judas Maccabeus taking up a collection for a sin offering on behalf of soldiers who had died wearing pagan amulets. The passage implies these soldiers needed purification after death before entering God’s presence:
“Turning to supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully blotted out…Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.” (2 Maccabees 12:42-45)
Catholics cite this as evidence for purgatory – a state after death where venial sins can be atoned for.
Matthew 5:25-26
In this passage, Jesus encourages reconciliation with one’s opponent before reaching the court, lest the judge hand you over to the guard who throws you in prison until you pay your debt:
“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:25-26)
Some interpret the prison as purgatory where imperfect souls must be purified before heaven. Catholics believe venial sins can be “paid” for in purgatory.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Here Paul describes how various builders construct the church on Christ. Works built on Him with noble materials will be rewarded, but those with wood, hay or straw will be destroyed in fire. However, the builder will still be saved:
“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
Some Christians see this as evidence of purgatory – an intermediate state where imperfect souls are purified as if by fire before entering God’s presence.
Matthew 12:32
In this verse, Jesus distinguishes between sin that will not be forgiven in this age or the next:
“Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)
The implication is some sins can be forgiven in the “age to come”, which some interpret as purgatory. Venial sins may be purified in this state.
Revelation 21:27
This verse describes the New Jerusalem, saying nothing unclean will enter:
“But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)
The assumption is imperfect souls require purification before joining this perfected state. Purgatory is seen as serving this purpose.
Luke 12:58-59
Here Jesus urges settling matters before reaching the judge, otherwise one may not get out until paying the penalty:
“As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.” (Luke 12:58-59)
This parable is seen by some as illustrating purgatory’s refinement of imperfect souls before entering God’s presence.
Objections to Purgatory
While the above verses are cited in favor of purgatory, opponents offer several biblical objections against the doctrine:
- No direct mention of purgatory – It is never explicitly described.
- Jesus’ sacrifice covers all sin – 1 John 1:7 says Jesus cleanses believers from all unrighteousness.
- Saved by grace, not works – Salvation is a free gift, not dependent on purification (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- No second chance after death – Hebrews 9:27 says judgment comes after death.
- Prayer for the dead unbiblical – Attempting to help those in purgatory goes against Luke 16:19-31.
Thus, the doctrine of purgatory as a place or state of purification after death remains highly debated among Christians. Some groups, like Catholics and Orthodox, find the concept biblically justified while others, like Protestants, do not. Ultimately one’s view depends significantly on theological tradition and biblical interpretation.
Roman Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory
Within Roman Catholicism, purgatory is an important doctrine though its scriptural and historical origins are debated. Here are some key points about purgatory in Catholic theology:
- State of purification for souls destined for heaven but burdened by venial sins or temporal punishment due to forgiven mortal sins.
- Necessary since nothing impure can enter God’s presence (Revelation 21:27).
- Souls undergo purification through spiritual fire (1 Corinthians 3:15).
- Duration depends on the soul’s condition but can be lessened by prayers and indulgences.
- Scriptural basis found in 2 Maccabees 12 and other apocryphal passages.
- Affirmed as tradition since early church but explicitly defined in 1439 at the Council of Florence.
- Rejected by Protestants at the Reformation as unbiblical.
Catholics are encouraged to pray for souls in purgatory and offer indulgences for their benefit. The doctrine remains integral to Catholic theology today but disputed by Protestant traditions.
Orthodox Christian Views
Eastern Orthodox churches also affirm a state of purification after death for souls destined for heaven. Views on purgatory include:
- Called “final purification” rather than purgatory.
- Seen as a painful spiritual cleansing from sins.
- Prayers and alms by the living can benefit those undergoing this intermediate state.
- Explicit doctrine formulated later than in the West.
- Taught by early church fathers like Origen, Tertullian, Augustine.
- Affirmed in councils like the Second Council of Lyons in 1274.
- Similar to but distinct from Catholic purgatory.
Details of Orthodox purgatorial doctrine remain somewhat vague compared to Catholicism. But both affirm an intermediate state of purification and rely on similar biblical passages for support, while rejecting Protestant criticism.
Anglican and Methodist Views
Anglican and Methodist churches arose from a Reformation tradition skeptical of purgatory but have diverse views on the topic:
- Thirty-Nine Articles reject “Romish Doctrine” of purgatory but prayer for the dead permitted.
- Anglo-Catholics accept purgatory close to Catholic teaching.
- C.S. Lewis popularized metaphorical “purgatorial” purification for souls entering heaven.
- Some Anglicans pray for the departed during All Souls’ Day.
- Methodists tend to reject purgatory but founder John Wesley thought it plausible.
- United Methodist Church allows opinions ranging from purgatory’s literal existence to complete rejection.
So while purgatory has traditionally been rejected by Protestants, some Anglican and Methodist thinkers have entertained degrees of openness to the doctrine or spiritual concept.
Conclusion
The existence of an intermediate state of purification and sanctification for souls destined for heaven remains one of the most significant theological differences between Protestants on the one hand and Catholic and Orthodox churches on the other. While each side can point to relevant biblical passages and church traditions to justify their position, no definitive biblical teaching exists to fully settle the debate. Ultimately, one’s view depends heavily on church authority, exegetical methods, and theological assumptions. Christians are likely to continue debating purgatory well into the future.