Q
Is
there any place in the Bible that tells of a place such as purgatory?
I've read somewhere in the Bible where Paul says
there is a place where we will atone for our sins. I can't remember where
I read it but it mentions fire--but a temporary place.
A
I did a search in
my computer Bible program for any verses in the New Testament that mention
‘fire’ and none of them has to do with a temporary place for atoning for
sin. You might be thinking of 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NKJV) “Now if
anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood,
hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare
it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's
work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures,
he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss;
but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” This passage refers
to the testing of the Christian’s works. Notice it says of those whose
works are burned up, “but he himself shall be saved.”
As far as fire and the permanent punishment for sins that faces the
ungodly, the Bible has plenty to say. Just a few will show you what
I’m talking about: Matthew 25:41 (NKJV) "Then He will also say to
those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting
fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” and Matthew 25:46 (NKJV)
"And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous
into eternal life." Also Revelation puts this very clearly in two verses:
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone
where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day
and night forever and ever” (20:10 NKJV), “And anyone not found written
in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (20:15 NKJV).
There is no purgatory in the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church holds
to purgatory on the basis of their belief that no one can have a last-minute
conversion and still get off scot-free, so to speak. But there is simply
no evidence in God’s word for this idea of temporary punishment for some.
Christ very clearly says (John 5:24 NKJV) "Most assuredly, I say
to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting
life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into
life.” Notice “has passed” in the past tense. Jesus said to the thief on
the cross, “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). He definitely
made a last-minute profession of faith. In the context of the parable of
Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16:26 speaks of “a great gulf fixed, so that
those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there
pass to us” (NKJV). After death, there are no more chances for improvement
of situation.