RCA-Roman Catholic Apologist.
As for how i know they were praying for idolaters, did you not read the text? It says that that is why they died.
“There is a place of purification. It must exist or we would be praying for the dead in Hell, which is absurd.”
That is the point, and a reason why their belief was not the same as purgatory, as Rome holds that impenitent idolaters do not go to purgatory, but to Hell, as that is a mortal sin. You can only assume they repented.
As for the need to go to purgatory, you are washed, sanctified and justified the moment you are born again, (1Cor. 6:11; cf. Acts 15:8,9) and are positionally in the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:23) and Heaven already. (Eph. 2:6; Phil. 3:21)
That would not be possible if perfection on a practical level was necessary to be in Heaven, though true faith must be one that will evidence fruits which correspond to faith in the Lord Jesus.
Thus wherever the postmortem state is most clearly spoken of for actual believers, it is with the Lord. (Lk. 24:43; 2Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:23; 1Thes. 4:17) See link for refutation of texts used to support purgatory.
I agree,... but Daniel...why would any church deny this certainty to it's members by teaching otherwise? What would be the purpose to keep them insecure in their faith unless perhaps to keep them depending on something other than His finished work. It is hard to understand why?
Forget Rome for the moment - I wish I was sanctified and justified. Sounds Great!! Justify me me right away.
What and who are idolaters