Purgatory is a place where souls go to be purified before they can enter heaven. It is not a permanent place, and it is only temporary. This article contains Bible verses about purgatory.
There is a lot that we don’t know about purgatory. However, there are specific Bible verses that shed light on this topic. These Bible verses reveal that purgatory is real, and offer a glimpse of what can be expected from those in purgatory.
The first verse in this article states that all people will be judged at the end of their life and that Jesus Christ is the judge of all people. The second verse states that we will be rewarded for our good works on earth and punished for our evil deeds. The third verse states that we should pray for those who are suffering in purgatory because they deserve our prayers while they are in this state of purification. The fourth verse in this article states that we should pray for those who have gone before us so that they may find salvation after death when they are judged by God at the end of their lives here on Earth.
Take out time to surf through our catalog right here on kingdomgist for prompt information on scriptures pertaining to bible verses about heaven hell and purgatory, bible verses that talks about purgatory, bible verses about souls in purgatory, what the bible says about purgatory, and so much more.
Bible Verses About Purgatory
Purgatory is a place of purification for souls bound for heaven. In other words, it’s a place where our sins and faults are burned away before we enter the presence of God in heaven. The Bible does not refer to purgatory by name, but it contains references to “a cleansing fire.” Here are some relevant Bible verses:
1 Peter 3:19
In 1 Peter 3:19, we read that “[b]elievers who die in the Lord will be saved.” The word for “saved” is sōzō, which means “to save from destruction or ruin; to rescue from sin, danger and death; to preserve from destruction.”[1] This verse implies that our bodies will be rescued from corruption and decay after death so that we can stand before God one day—the exact opposite of what many people believe when thinking about purgatory!
Believers who die in the Lord will also receive a crown of life (1 Peter 5:4). This phrase comes from Revelation 2:10 where Jesus says to His followers who have been faithful even unto death: “Be thou faithful unto death…I will give thee a crown of life.” We know that this promise is fulfilled because John goes on to say that he saw heaven open up with the dead standing before God (Revelation 20:5). How can someone possibly receive a crown if they are not alive?
Romans 12:17
You can’t take it with you.
This is one of the Bible’s most straightforward lessons on purgatory, and it comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans. In verse 17, he writes: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This means that no matter what happens in our lives—whether we win or lose an argument; whether we get a promotion or a demotion; whether we get married or divorced—we should keep our head up and stay positive. We may not get everything we want during this lifetime on Earth, but there will be opportunities for us to continue learning and improving ourselves in the next one.
Isaiah 56:1
God wants to cleanse us of our sins, save us, purify us, make us holy and perfect in our love for him.
Matthew 5:45
One of the most important Bible verses about Purgatory is Matthew 5:44-48, which reads:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Do not even pagans do that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect [complete] therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect [complete].
Philippians 2:12
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faithfulness (Philippians 2:12-17).
Luke 14:33
Jesus said, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
There are times in your life where God may ask you to give up something important to you for His sake. This can be a very difficult decision, but it’s worth giving up what is comfortable for what is uncomfortable if it means following Christ with all your heart and soul.
Psalm 51:7-12
- Psalm 51:7-12
This passage of scripture clearly shows how God is willing to forgive and cleanse sinners through the fire of purgatory. This passage says that God will “cleanse away” any sin if it is done in a spirit of repentance, which can be understood as having true remorse for your actions.
Proverbs 10:27-28
In Proverbs 10:27-28, King Solomon says, “The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead. The Lord will not allow the righteous to go hungry or let the wicked have too much.”
Proverbs 10:27-29 is a powerful reminder that God does not let His people go hungry or thirsty and that He will provide abundantly for them. This passage also teaches us that when we are in need, we can rely on God to provide for us in ways that are beyond our expectations (if we put our trust in Him).
Proverbs 21:6
The Bible says that it is better to be poor and wise than rich and foolish. In Proverbs 21:6, the Bible says that a good name is better than riches. The poor man is better than the rich man. You can see this in a couple ways from this verse:
- Riches can be lost because of greediness or foolishness (1 Tim 6:9-10)
- A good name brings honor and respect to yourself, but riches can only buy you things that are temporary
Biblically speaking, purgatory is real and can be a scary thing to think about. But you don’t have to fear it at all. Cleansing in purgatory is not punishment. It is cleansing and saving.
Purgatory is a place of healing, purification, and restoration. It is not a place of punishment. The souls that pass through purgatory are cleansed and saved by God’s grace. They are then able to enter into heaven with all their sins forgiven, where they will live out eternity in peace with God.
There are many people who have never heard about purgatory because they don’t go to church or don’t trust what the Bible says about this subject. But there’s no reason for you not to know about it—it’s right there in the Gospels! Jesus talked about it often during his ministry on earth before he ascended into heaven at the end of His life (see John 14:1).
Bible Verses Against Purgatory
Purgatory is a place or state of punishment in the afterlife that souls have to pass through before they reach heaven. Purgatory is for those who were not sacramentally baptized, those who were not confirmed, or for people who sinned after their baptism. The Church teaches that purgatory exists to strengthen people’s faith and love of God and purify them from whatever remains of sin after death
If you are struggling with a life-changing situation and do not know what to do, or would like some reassurance that God will work everything out for your good, then here are some Bible verses about purgatory.
1 John 5:16-17 ESV / 7 helpful votes
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
1 Corinthians 15:52 ESV / 7 helpful votes
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
Matthew 18:34-35 ESV / 7 helpful votes
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Revelation 21:8 ESV / 6 helpful votes
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV / 6 helpful votes
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Matthew 10:28 ESV / 6 helpful votes
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Revelation 6:9-11 ESV / 5 helpful votes
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Hebrews 12:29 ESV / 5 helpful votes
For our God is a consuming fire.
John 20:19-24 ESV / 5 helpful votes
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” …
Luke 12:43-47 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
Psalm 115:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes
The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Matthew 12:32 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Bible Verses About Purgatory Catholic
Purgatory is a Christian idea based on the belief that some people go to Heaven, others to Hell and a few are sent to purgatory where they must undergo punishment before they are free to be with God in heaven. While most Catholics and some Protestants believe in purgatory, there are also non-Christians who do as well.
The Bible says that the Lord comforts, encourages and strengthens us with His Word. But there are also times when we need to be challenged by the living Word of God—and we do so by reading Bible verses about specific themes or topics.
2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV / 84 helpful votes
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Matthew 5:26 ESV / 57 helpful votes
Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
1 John 1:9 ESV / 46 helpful votes
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 3:15 ESV / 42 helpful votes
If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Hebrews 9:27 ESV / 40 helpful votes
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Revelation 21:27 ESV / 34 helpful votes
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV / 22 helpful votes
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Revelation 20:12 ESV / 20 helpful votes
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
Luke 12:47 ESV / 19 helpful votes
And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
1 Peter 3:19 ESV / 16 helpful votes
In which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,
1 Corinthians 3:13 ESV / 15 helpful votes
Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ESV / 15 helpful votes
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Matthew 5:48 ESV / 14 helpful votes
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 Peter 4:6 ESV / 13 helpful votes
For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
Hebrews 12:14 ESV / 12 helpful votes
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Matthew 12:36-37 ESV / 12 helpful votes
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Revelation 21:1-27 ESV / 11 helpful votes
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” …
Hebrews 12:23 ESV / 10 helpful votes
And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Zechariah 9:11 ESV / 10 helpful votes
As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Revelation 20:13-14 ESV / 8 helpful votes
And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
What Bible Says About Heaven
The Bible has passages that describe Purgatory, which is a temporary state of suffering following death. Christians believe that we enter into the state after death, but are cleansed by God through the prayers and sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make us pure enough to enter heaven. The process takes time — usually years — but can be shortened through prayer and penance (according to the Bible).
Praying Christian Bible verses about purgatory and asking for forgiveness will help those who are grieving over the loss of a loved one to feel comforted by God.
1 John 5:16-17 ESV / 7 helpful votes
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
1 Corinthians 15:52 ESV / 7 helpful votes
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
Matthew 18:34-35 ESV / 7 helpful votes
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Revelation 21:8 ESV / 6 helpful votes
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV / 6 helpful votes
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Matthew 10:28 ESV / 6 helpful votes
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Revelation 6:9-11 ESV / 5 helpful votes
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Hebrews 12:29 ESV / 5 helpful votes
For our God is a consuming fire.
John 20:19-24 ESV / 5 helpful votes
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” …
Luke 12:43-47 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
Psalm 115:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes
The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Matthew 12:32 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Proof Of Purgatory
What is Purgatory? Are we sinning today so that we go to purgatory when we die? What are the different ways Scripture tells us about purgatory?
Purgatory, in Christian belief and doctrine, is a temporary period of purging and cleansing of the soul, which occurs between the death of a believer and his or her entrance into heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that purgatory is a transition period between death and Heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23 ESV / 4 helpful votes
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Malachi 3:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
Isaiah 48:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 6:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Psalm 148:1-14 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. …
2 Peter 2:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,
1 Corinthians 15:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?
Romans 6:23 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Acts 2:31 ESV / 3 helpful votes
He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
John 14:6-12 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. …
John 14:1-6 ESV / 3 helpful votes
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” …
Jeremiah 10:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”
Genesis 37:35 ESV / 3 helpful votes
All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.
Revelation 12:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes
And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
1 Peter 1:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
Ephesians 4:8-10 ESV / 2 helpful votes
Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Conclusion
I believe that purgatory is a place of cleansing and not punishment. I believe that we can affect the process with our prayers, but it’s not something we should fear. It has always been difficult to try to explain this concept to those who are new in their faith or have never heard of it before. Instead of trying to understand what purgatory is all about, we should turn our focus on overcoming sin so that it doesn’t even become an issue for us when we die