The concept of purgatory, the idea that souls undergo a temporary state of purification after death before entering heaven, is not found anywhere in Scripture. It is a man-made doctrine with no foundation in the Word of God.
The Bible teaches that a person’s eternal state is fixed at death. Hebrews 9:27 says:
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
There is no mention of an intermediate place where believers must suffer to be cleansed from sin. The cleansing of sin is fully accomplished by the blood of Jesus Christ, not by human suffering. 1 John 1:7 affirms:
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Salvation is complete at the moment of true faith. Romans 8:1 declares:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
To suggest that believers must undergo further purification after death contradicts the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Hebrews 10:14 confirms:
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
Jesus told the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43:
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
This man had no time for penance, purgatory, or purification—yet he was immediately promised eternal life. That example alone exposes the falsehood of purgatory.
All who are in Christ go directly to be with the Lord. All who die without Christ face judgment. There is no third place and no second chance. The idea of purgatory diminishes the power of the cross and adds works where grace alone must stand.