THE ERROR OF PURGATORY

Purgatory is defined as a state after death in which the souls of people who die are made pure through suffering before going to heaven. In other words, it is a waiting place or state where sinners are purged of their sins by punishment so as to be made righteous; a sort of second chance or an opportunity for another life after death. This belief is contrary to what the scripture says: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Heb. 9:27). This simply means there is no forgiveness after death.

The book of Luke 16:19-26 tells us of a rich man who, while alive lived luxuriously. It also tells us of a poor beggar named Lazarus. Both of them died. The rich man lifted up his eyes in hell and was able to see Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom. While Lazarus was in exquisite comfort the rich man was tormented in flame. He begged Abraham to send Lazarus to him with just a few drops of water to cool his tongue. This confirms there is no intermediary for purgatory after death.

Finally, the scripture says the rich man was fully conscious not only of his horrible state but also of Lazarus’ bliss in the bosom of Abraham. He was conscious of his deplorable fate and had concern for his family, wanting Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his family to save them from hell fire. Unfortunately, there is a great gulf fixed between heaven and hell which made it impossible for anyone to cross over from one side of the divide to the other. This means the rich man went straight to hell and still remains there for his sins without pardon. The soul that sins shall die.