What is Purgatory?
Purgatory is a concept that involves believers who need to be purified to enter heaven. This is according to Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Most Protestant denominations do not accept the concept of purgatory. The concept of Purgatory is understood as a place or state in which penitents make satisfaction or atone for minor sins after death, as well as for the imperfections and imperfections of believers.
What does the Bible say about Purgatory?
In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, there is no mention of the term ‘Purgatory’ or the concept of purification for the souls of believers. The Catholic Church does make reference to the concept of Purgatory in its doctrine, but there is no Biblical verse to support it. It is believed that Purgatory is a place between earth and Heaven where souls in need of cleansing spend time to prepare for entry into Heaven.
The closest reference to the concept of Purgatory found in the Bible is found in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 12:2: “I knew a man in Christ above fourteenth years ago, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth; such an one caught up to the third heaven”. This refers to a man being taken away to a place between heaven and earth, which may be interpreted as Purgatory.
What does the Bible say about the necessity of repentance?
The Bible speaks of the necessity of repentance as a way of believers to be forgiven for sins and to prepare for entrance into Heaven. According to the New Testament, those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour will enter into the kingdom of Heaven. The Bible also speaks of repentance for those who have strayed from the Lord: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, KJV).
In addition, 1 John 1:9-10 states: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. This verse speaks to the importance of confessing one’s sins in order to be forgiven and cleansed. Lastly, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 states: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (KJV). This verse speaks to the consequences of continuing to live in sin and straying away from the Lord.
How does the Bible view death and life after death?
The Bible view of death, and life after death, is quite clear. According to 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (KJV). This verse speaks to the ultimate outcome of death being life in Christ. According to Hebrews 2:14-15, death is no longer an obstacle to those in Christ, as “through death he (Christ) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (KJV).
In addition, Revelation 20:4-6 states: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection” (KJV). This passage speaks to life after death and reveals that those who have accepted Christ will have resurrected to life.
What Does the Bible say about Heaven?
The Bible speaks to Heaven as a destination for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. According to John 14:1-3 (KJV): “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”. This passage speaks to the hope and joy that believers have in being part of the kingdom of Heaven.
In addition, John 3:13 (KJV) states: “And no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven”. This verse confirms that access to Heaven is only open to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Revelation 21:1-7 (KJV) speaks of Heaven as a place of beauty and eternal life which will be inhabited by those who have accepted Christ: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (KJV).
What does the Bible say about God’s Justice?
The Bible states that God is just and will judge those who have turned away from him: “Therefore, the Lord God of Israel declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever’; but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me’ for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed’” (1 Samuel 2:30, KJV). This verse reminds believers of the importance of honoring God, as He will judge based on faith and loyalty.
In addition, Romans 12:19 (KJV) states: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord”. This verse speaks to the importance of leaving punishments to God, as He will be the ultimate judge. Lastly, Isaiah 45:21-22 (KJV) states: “Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who declared this from ancient time? Who told it from the beginning? Have not I the Lord, and there is no god else beside me? A just God and a Savior; there is none beside me”. This passage speaks to the justice and mercy of God and how He is the ultimate judge.
What does the Bible say about Humility?
Humility is a virtue that is highly regarded and encouraged in the Bible. James 4:10 (KJV) states: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up”. This verse is a call to humility, which is necessary for believers to receive the grace of God and live in accordance with His will. In addition, 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV) states: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”. This verse speaks to the importance of humility for believers to be raised up by God.
Lastly, Proverbs 15:33 (KJV) states: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility”. This verse speaks to the importance of remaining humble and of the instruction of wisdom, which is a sign of reverence to God. In all, the Bible speaks to the importance of humility as a virtue and of honoring God through humility and reverence.
What does the Bible say about Forgiveness and Mercy?
The Bible speaks clearly to the importance and necessity of forgiveness and mercy, as an act of grace and love: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15, KJV). This passage speaks to the necessity of offering forgiveness, in order to be forgiven.
In addition, Luke 6:37 (KJV) states: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”. This verse speaks to the importance of not judging, condemning or withholding gratitude from others, instead offering forgiveness and mercy. Lastly, Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) states: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”. This passage speaks to the importance of being kind to others, even when they have wronged us, in the same way that God has forgiven us.
What is Grace?
Grace is a divine gift from God, through which believers may receive forgiveness, restoration, and peace. The Bible speaks to the necessity of grace in order to live faithfully in accordance with God’s will: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, KJV). This verse speaks to the importance of believing in God’s salvation, as it is made possible by grace.
In addition, Romans 5:2 (KJV) states: “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”. This verse speaks to the importance of faith in receiving grace, which gives believers hope of eternal glory. Lastly, Ephesians 6:24 (KJV) states: “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen”. This verse highlights the importance of loving God and living with sincerity, in order to receive grace.
Conclusion
Purgatory is not mentioned in the Bible and is not accepted by most Protestant denominations. However, the Bible does speak to concepts such as repentance, the necessity of forgiveness, humility, justice, mercy, grace and life after death, which are essential for believers to prepare for entrance into Heaven. Ultimately, the Bible is a firm guide for those who wish to follow the Lord and only through faith, dedication and hard work, will believers be part of the kingdom of Heaven.
