PURGATORY IN THE BIBLE by Atty. Marwil Llasos of Defensores Fidei Foundation

Our Lady helping the souls in Purgatory through the help of angels

Purgatory

Intermediate state: Purgatory. No second chances – the souls there are saved, but through fire (1 Corinthians 3:15)

“There is a purgatory, and the souls there detained are assisted by the suffrages of the faithful, but especially by the most acceptable sacrifice of the altar” (Council of Trent).

This dogmatic definition contains 3 points of faith that all Catholics are required to believe:

1. There is a purgatory

2. After death, souls suffer there for their sins

3. The living can extend assistance to such souls

There is a purgatory

Forgiveness of sin in the next – Matthew 12:32

“Under the earth” – Revelations 5:2-3; Philippians 2:10

After death, souls suffer there for their sins

“You will not come out of it till you pay the last penny” – Matthew 5:26

“Matthean Parallel” (See: Matthew 18:23-35)

“Lazarusian Incident” (See: Luke 16:19-31)

Spirits in prison – 1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6

The living can extend assistance to such souls

Restrain not grace from the dead – Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 7:37

See: Ruth 1:8

Offerings/Sacrifice for the dead

2 Maccabees 12:38-36

“And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection” (2 Maccabees 12:43, Douay-Rheims Bible).

Fasting for the for the dead

1 Samuel 31:13;

1 Chronicles 10:12

2 Samuel 1:12

Prayer for the dead

2 Maccabees 12:44-46

“It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Maccabees 12:46, Douay-Rheims Bible).

See: Nehemiah 1:4-6, cf. Nehemiah 2:5

Understanding Purgatory:

1. Understanding the doctrine of purgatory demands knowing the nature/attributes of God:

God is Holy (Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 6:3; Revelations 4:8; Leviticus 11:44

God is Just (1 John 1:9; Revelations 15:3)

God is Merciful (Psalm 116, Lamentations 3:22, Psalm 103:8)

See: Ruth 2:20

God is Love (1 John 4:8, 16)

2. Understanding the doctrine of purgatory demands a proper understanding of the concept of sin:

Gradation (degrees) of sin

Mortal Sin vs. Venial Sin (1 John 5:16-17, NRSV)

Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, ruega por nosotros! Marwil

Bro. Marwil Llasos is one of the best Catholic Apologist in the country today. If you want to read more of his Apologetic Materials I suggest you visit his Blogs. They are listed in our Blog links in the right side of this Blog.