12 Bible Verses About Purgatory

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about purgatory

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about purgatory:

1. 1 Corinthians 3:15 – “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
2. Matthew 12:32 – “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
3. 2 Maccabees 12:46 – “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”
4. 1 Peter 3:19 – “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”
5. 2 Timothy 1:16-18 – “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.”
6. Revelation 21:27 – “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

7. 1 Corinthians 15:29 – “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”
8. Hebrews 12:23 – “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”
9. 1 John 5:16 – “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.”
10. 2 Peter 2:9 – “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”
11. Jude 1:7 – “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
12. Matthew 5:26 – “Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.”

What does the bible say about purgatory?

The concept of purgatory is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible.

However, some Christians believe in the idea of a purification process after death for those who are not yet ready for heaven.

This belief is based on the idea that God is just and merciful, and that some souls may need further purification before entering into the presence of God.

While the Bible does mention the idea of purification and cleansing, the concept of purgatory as a specific place or state is not clearly outlined in the text.

Ultimately, beliefs about purgatory vary among different Christian denominations and interpretations of scripture.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about purgatory?

1. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 – This chapter discusses the concept of purgatory in the context of the “refining fire” that believers will pass through after death to purify their works before entering heaven.

2. 2 Maccabees 12:39-46 – Although not included in all versions of the Bible, this chapter tells the story of Judas Maccabeus offering prayers and sacrifices for the souls of the deceased soldiers, indicating the belief in a place of purification after death.

3. Matthew 12:32 – This chapter mentions the concept of forgiveness in the afterlife, suggesting the possibility of a place where sins can be forgiven after death, which aligns with the idea of purgatory.

These chapters are relevant to the concept of purgatory as they provide insights into the belief in a place or state of purification after death for those who have not been fully cleansed of their sins during their earthly life. They offer biblical support for the idea that there is a process of purification before entering into the full presence of God in heaven.

Ideas and concepts related to purgatory that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Judgment: The concept of judgment is prevalent throughout the Bible, with passages such as Matthew 25:31-46 discussing the final judgment where individuals will be separated into the righteous and the wicked. In purgatory, individuals are believed to undergo a purification process before entering into heaven, which can be seen as a form of judgment for their sins.

2. Atonement: The idea of atonement is central to Christian theology, with the belief that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross atones for the sins of humanity. In purgatory, individuals are believed to undergo a process of purification to atone for their sins before entering into heaven.

3. Repentance: The Bible emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin in order to receive forgiveness and salvation. In purgatory, individuals are believed to have the opportunity to repent for their sins and be purified before entering into heaven.

4. Sanctification: The process of sanctification involves becoming more like Christ and growing in holiness. In purgatory, individuals are believed to undergo a process of sanctification to be purified and made ready for heaven.

Overall, these concepts in the Bible are related to purgatory in that they all involve a process of purification and preparation for entering into the presence of God. Purgatory is seen as a place or state where individuals can undergo this purification before entering into heaven.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.