Purgatory
I was once asked, “Where’s purgatory in the Bible?” I responded that the word purgatory is not in the Bible but neither is the word Trinity. However, purgatory can be found on explicit and implicit grounds. For example, it can be implicitly derived from several Biblical principles. Rev. 21:27 says, “nothing unclean shall enter [heaven],” and most of us are still sinning up until the time of our death. Purgatory is the final purification of those who die in a state of grace, but still in need of purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter heaven. That’s why Heb. 12:14 says, “without holiness no one shall see the Lord.”
We see purgatory explicitly described in 1 Cor. 3:15 where all our works will be tested and judged–St. Paul goes on to say, “but if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss. The person will be saved, but only as through fire.”
One might also object by saying, but my sins are already forgiven. That might be true, since our God is merciful God, but he’s also a just God. In 2 Samuel 12:13, if you recall, David grievously sinned against the Lord, and Nathaniel said, “the Lord has forgiven you, but [you must pay for your sins].”
Purgatory is just the name the Catholic Church has given that final purification at the end of life. It’s our transition into glory.
God bless,
Pat Bline