As far as I am aware purgatory is the invention of the Roman Catholic Church and quite the money maker. I was raised among and associated with many Roman Catholics in my youth and am quite familiar with the practices of paying for masses to shorten the time of a loved one, especially mothers, in purgatory.

Purgatory is not a biblical doctrine. First of all, it is payment for sins that one does one’s self, that is, it is a form of works for salvation. If graciously given a free gift and then finding you have to pay for it, grace and free go out the window.

Biblical salvation is the free gift of God’s grace and not of man’s works. There is only one penalty for sin, death.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Christ paid for all sin, there is no need for anyone to pay more.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

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