[Campion]

Scripture also says that nothing unclean may enter heaven. Therefore, those who die in the state of grace, but not yet perfectly sanctified and completely free from all attachment to sin, must be purified after death through the mercy of God.

Prayer for the dead helps them through that purification, which is why Jews, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians do it, and have done it since well before the time of Christ.

[xone]

Scripture also says that nothing unclean may enter heaven.

Scriptures also says: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Acts 10:15. Christ's sacrifice has made believers 'clean' before God.