[NYer]

1 Cor. 15:29-30 - Paul mentions people being baptized on behalf of the dead, in the context of atoning for their sins (people are baptized on the dead’s behalf so the dead can be raised). These people cannot be in heaven because they are still with sin, but they also cannot be in hell because their sins can no longer be atoned for. They are in purgatory. These verses directly correspond to 2 Macc. 12:44-45 which also shows specific prayers for the dead, so that they may be forgiven of their sin.

Though posted as a 'caucus' thread, your insights are always welcome; but not the attacks. The Early Church Fathers were the first christians. We can all learn much from them - regardless of which church we attend. These are the voices of your ancestors in the faith, speaking to you today. Ask our Lord to open your mind and heart to what they have to say.

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2 Maccabees
Chapter 12

44

for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death.

45

But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought.

46

Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.

FULL TEXT

[ConservativeMind]

"1st Maccabees" and "2nd Maccabees" were written over 100 years before Christ. They do not describe any Christian practice and they don't appear to support prior Jewish practices. Did Moses do this? Did scapegoats and other sacrifices clean the slate for the dead? Or was it for the living?