Beth-El Baptist Church

01/24/2010

Greg Tomlinson


Is the idea of purgatory supported by the Bible?


Roman Catholicism is well known for their doctrine of “purgatory”. It is defined as a place for “cleansing and purifying of any remaining sin” so that we can be made “fit for God's holy presence”. The idea is that if a man dies with any uncleansed sin in their life they are not perfectly holy and thus unfit for heaven.


  1. What might lead to the belief of purgatory?

Isaiah 4:3-4 Malachi 3:1-3

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 2 Corinthians 5:8-11

Revelation 21:22-27


The scriptures are clear that nothing nor no one that is unclean or defiled in anyway can enter into the eternal heaven to be in the presence of God. You must be perfect and holy even as God is perfect and holy. The Roman Catholic understanding then is that if there is unconfessed sin in their life that it will have to be “purged” out by fire and that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” for the final analysis of our eternal state. But notice that the scriptures state that though our works may be completely burned up, yet the individual who believed will be saved. Also notice Revelation 21:27d that the scriptures says “but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life”. The issue is not the presence of unconfessed sin nor the presence of sin but of not having their name in the “Lamb's book of life”. In either case, the person who believes is saved and enters into the presence of God.


  1. What does Paul mean by a man's work shall be revealed by fire?

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 – The source of the quote

1 Corinthians 3:1-9; 3:16-23; 8:1-6; 8:7-13; 10:22-29

Galatians 5:13-14 James 1:19-26; 2:10-14

1 Peter 2:15-17 Romans 5:20-6:2

Ephesians 4:1-3 Colossians 1:9-10


The immediate context is of utmost importance. The believers in Corinth were focusing on who it was that was used to bring them the gospel message. Paul's primary intention is to remind the Corinthians that their salvation is because of Jesus Christ and that they do not belong to anybody but God through Jesus Christ. Their lives are to be built upon the Gospel and lived out according to the commandments of God. Paul is encouraging them to not live a life of lasciviousness but to live a life that is a blessing to God. We are to desire our lives to be a reflection of the God who saved us.


  1. What happens when a person dies?

Hebrews 9:26-28 2 Corinthians 5:8-11

Ecclesiastes 3:20-22 Luke 16:19-23

Psalm 115:15-18 Revelation 20:11-15


Various passages indicate that at the point of death the believer is immediately ushered into the presence of God. Further indications is that the unbeliever is either ushered into the presence of God where judgment is pronounced or their judgment is delayed until God's final day of judgment. Either way, there is no indication that there is any type of holding place where the believer must complete the payment for their sins before entering into heaven.


  1. Can a person be sure of their salvation?

John 20:30-31 1 John 5:12-15

Colossians 1:19-23 Romans 8:14-18

2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:5-6 Ephesians 1:13-14


A person can be sure of their own salvation. John wrote the gospel and his first letter for the sole purpose of helping people to know with certainty regarding their eternal state. The basis upon which salvation is built is the cross of Christ. Believing in the completed work of Jesus Christ and trusting in Him results in the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit which is the guarantee of the person's salvation.


Summary:

While the Roman Catholics believe in a cleansing place called purgatory, there is no support in scripture. Based upon the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church and a proper understanding of the reality of sin, in even the most obedient believer, it is impossible for ANY Roman Catholic to know for certain the reality of their eternal destiny. The best they can legitimately have is a “hope so” salvation. The scriptures do speak of a great difference. The believer's salvation is not based upon his performance but it is based upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Trusting in the completed work of Jesus Christ is all that is necessary.