What does the Bible say about Purgatory? | GotQuestions.org

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Jesus’ Sacrifice is Complete

Romans 5:8 tells us that Jesus died to take the punishment for all our sins. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Jesus endured suffering so we could be freed from the consequences of sin. The notion that we must continue to suffer after death undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice (1 John 2:2). Suggesting that Purgatory is necessary for cleansing is inconsistent with the Bible’s teaching on salvation by grace through faith.

Understanding 1 Corinthians 3:15

Catholics often cite 1 Corinthians 3:15, which states, “If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” The surrounding verses (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) actually describe the quality of a believer’s works, not their personal suffering after death. Good works, like “gold, silver, costly stones,” endure and are rewarded, while poor works, like “wood, hay, and straw,” are consumed. The scripture speaks of a believer “escaping through the flames,” meaning the works are tested, not the person being purified by fire.

Misunderstanding of Christ’s Sacrifice

Purgatory, like certain other Catholic teachings, reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice. The Mass or Eucharist is seen as a repeated offering, but Hebrews 7:27 confirms that Christ’s sacrifice was complete and perfect. Works cannot add to salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), nor is further cleansing necessary. Because of Jesus, believers are already forgiven, justified, redeemed, reconciled, and sanctified.

The Sufficiency of Jesus’ Death

All concepts related to Purgatory—prayers for the dead, indulgences, or meritorious works on behalf of others—neglect the fact that Jesus’ death fully paid for all sin. Christ, who is God incarnate (John 1:1, 14), bore an infinite price for humanity’s sin. He died for all sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) and serves as the complete atoning sacrifice (1 John 2:2). To claim any further atonement is needed undermines the perfection and completeness of His work.

The Believer’s Immediate Presence with the Lord

After death, believers are “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). Scripture does not describe any intermediate purification through fire. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, we enter His presence immediately, fully cleansed, free from sin, glorified, and sanctified.