Is there such a place as purgatory?

Some believe purgatory is a place where people go to decide whether they will accept Christ or not. There is no indication in the Bible that a newly departed soul has an opportunity to figure out whether he/she will accept or deny Christ (a second chance). Every glimpse into life after death in the Bible shows people either in the presence of the Lord or not in the presence of the Lord.

Purgatory is believed to be a place after death where one is “purged” of their sins. The doctrine of purgatory comes from one verse found in the additional books of the Bible, the Apocrypha, not recognized by the Protestant Church.

He also took up a collection, man by man, to the amount of two thousand drachmas of silver, and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering. In doing this he acted very well and honorably, taking account of the resurrection. For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin. 2 Maccabees 12:43-45

Notice the word purgatory is never used, nor is a specific place mentioned. The place is assumed, based on one’s belief that people have a second chance, through the prayers of people on earth or atonement. Jesus nor any of his apostles acknowledge any sort of second chance in any of their writings.

            In Luke 16 we see a clear separation of only heaven and hell.

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  Luke 16:22-23

The rich man was not given a chance to figure out his sins or a chance to decide whether God was real.  He knew his fate, accepted it and seemed resigned to hell.

Once we die, we are segregated according to either our belief in Christ or our denial of Christ. If there was another opportunity to accept Christ, wouldn’t Jesus have told us?

After death we are in a spirit form, waiting for a future judgment, but, according to the Bible, there is no chance of changing our minds or getting ourselves “right” with God.

The only chance you have to get it right is on earth and not in a place called purgatory.