Is the concept of purgatory biblical?

Quick answer

The Catholic doctrine of purgatory teaches that souls undergo purification for sins after death before entering heaven. However, the Bible does not support the concept of purgatory, presenting instead a clear choice of eternal destinations: heaven or hell. Scripture emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not post-mortem purification.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Purgatory is not mentioned in the Bible, nor does Scripture teach that there is a "middle ground" for the purification of sins after death. The doctrine of purgatory is primarily supported by references in the pocryphal book of 2 Maccabees, which is not included in the Protestant Bible and was never affirmed as Scripture by Jesus or the apostles. The New Testament consistently presents a clear picture of the afterlife as involving two eternal destinations—heaven and hell—without any intermediate state.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Proverbs 11:7 makes clear that "when the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too." A person’s eternal state is determined at the time of death based on whether or not they trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. There is no opportunity for post-death purification.

Daniel 12:2: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." The prophet Daniel affirms only two eternal outcomes—life or contempt—making no mention of an intermediary process like purgatory.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Luke 16:22–23 compares a rich man who died and went to the torment side of Hades and a man named Lazarus who went to the paradise side of Hades: "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side." Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus demonstrates that the afterlife immediately places souls in one of two destinations, with no suggestion of a third option.

In Matthew 7:13–14 Jesus emphasizes only two outcomes—destruction or life—highlighting the need for repentance and faith during one’s earthly life: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Hebrews 9:27: "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." This verse is pivotal for understanding that judgment follows death, with no process for further purification mentioned.

At the final judgment, the dead are judged based on their deeds, with their names either in the book of life or not. Only heaven or hell is presented as a final outcome (Revelation 20:12–15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The concept of purgatory is an extra-biblical teaching that lacks support in Scripture. The Bible clearly presents salvation as being secured through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9) and emphasizes that after death, eternal destinations are set. While purgatory may appeal to some as a way to reconcile sin after death, it undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement (1 Peter 2:24). Believers are called to focus on living lives of faith and repentance, sharing the message of salvation with others while there is still time. Instead of praying or performing works on behalf of the dead, Christians are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ and trust fully in His finished work for salvation (John 19:30).

UNDERSTAND

Purgatory is a Catholic doctrine that teaches that souls can undergo purification after death to enter heaven.

Purgatory is not supported by the Bible.

There are only two destinations after death—heaven and hell—determined by faith in Jesus Christ during this life.

REFLECT

How does knowing that your eternal destination is determined during this life impact your relationship with God and the way that you live?

What does the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement mean for how you address sin in your own life?

How can you trust more fully in the finished work of Jesus for your salvation instead of relying on your own efforts or the hope of a second chance?

ENGAGE

How can we better explain the biblical view of the afterlife to those who believe in purgatory?

Why is it important for Christians to focus on faith and repentance in this life rather than seeking assurance in post-death purification?

How does the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement challenge the idea of purgatory and shape our view of salvation?