The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as:
"A state of final purification after death for those who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified." (CCC 1030)
This teaching claims that believers who have not fully atoned for their sins must endure a temporary state of suffering before entering heaven. It is believed that prayers, Masses, and indulgences from the living can help souls escape purgatory more quickly.
The Origins of the Doctrine
Purgatory does not come from Scripture but rather from human tradition. The concept was largely developed by church leaders during the Middle Ages, influenced by extra-biblical texts such as 2 Maccabees 12:42-45, which is found in the Apocrypha. The passage describes prayers for the dead, but the Apocrypha is not inspired Scripture and was never included in the Hebrew Bible.
The doctrine was further expanded upon by early Catholic theologians such as Augustine and later systematized by medieval scholars like Thomas Aquinas. Over time, purgatory became a major component of Catholic teaching, leading to the sale of indulgences—a corrupt practice that sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Purgatory Contradicts Scripture
The Bible clearly teaches that there is no intermediate state between death and eternity. A person’s fate is sealed at death—either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him. Let’s examine Scripture to refute the doctrine of purgatory:
Salvation Is by Grace, Not by Post-Death Purification
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
If salvation is by grace and not by works, then there is no need for a post-death purification process. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse us from all sin.
Jesus’ Sacrifice Completely Cleanses Sins
1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Hebrews 10:14 – “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
If Christ’s blood cleanses us from all sin, there is no need for additional suffering after death.
Immediate Judgment After Death
Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
There is no mention of an intermediate state where souls can be further purified. Judgment follows death, determining one’s eternal destiny.
No Condemnation for Those in Christ
Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
If believers are not condemned, why would they suffer in purgatory? The idea of additional punishment contradicts this verse.
Jesus Promised Immediate Entry Into Paradise
Luke 23:43 – “And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”
Jesus told the repentant thief on the cross that he would be in Paradise that day. There was no mention of purgatory or a need for purification.
Indulgences and Buying One’s Way into Heaven Is Unbiblical
The Catholic Church teaches that indulgences—acts of devotion, prayers, or financial gifts—can reduce one’s time in purgatory. This practice became widespread in the Middle Ages, with people paying the church to secure forgiveness for themselves or their loved ones.
1 Peter 1:18-19 – “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Peter makes it clear that salvation is not something that can be purchased with money. It is only through Christ’s blood that we are redeemed.
Acts 8:20 – “But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!’”
Simon the Sorcerer attempted to buy spiritual power, but Peter rebuked him sharply. This verse strongly condemns the idea that salvation, forgiveness, or spiritual standing can be bought.
Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Jesus teaches that earthly wealth cannot secure heavenly rewards. Indulgences and financial transactions for salvation contradict this principle.
A Doctrine of Men, Not of God
Purgatory is a doctrine that originated from human tradition, not from Scripture. The Bible teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient, that salvation is through faith, and that judgment follows immediately after death. There is no room for an intermediate state of purification, nor can indulgences or financial contributions influence one's standing before God.
Jesus Himself declared in John 19:30, “It is finished!”—His work was complete. He paid for our sins in full. Let us trust in His perfect sacrifice rather than in man-made doctrines that undermine the sufficiency of His atonement.
Let us stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, rejecting teachings that are not found in Scripture and holding fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:8 – “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
The true essence of purgatory is that it is a false doctrine (false teaching).
As such, believe this. Such folk should fear eternal purgatory for any soul who buys into any church that teaches and promulgates purgatory.
To each their own. “But as for me & my house….” (Joshua 24:15)
Remember Matthew 15:9 says, “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Lastly; “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” (Matt. 15:13)
My grandfather was scammed with purgatory.. my grandmother committed suicide and my grandfather had to pay the church to get her out of purgatory.