Doctrines Of Indulgences And Good Works For The Dead

(1032) This teaching is also based upon the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:

Let us help and communicate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them. (Page 291)

The book of Maccabeus was not a part of the Cannon of Scripture. One of the things that authenticated acceptable books of the Bible was their mention in the New Testament. All of the books of the Old Testament of the “Textus Receptus” where referenced to by the Lord Jesus, or the Apostles. This validated their authority. The book of the Maccabeus was never mention, and was not used by early church fathers.

The son’s of Job referenced in Job 1:5 above, were not even dead at this time. “While Job beheld the harmony and comforts of his sons with satisfaction, his knowledge of the human heart made him fearful for them. He sent and sanctified them, reminding them to examine themselves, to confess their sins, to seek forgiveness; and as one who hoped for acceptance with God through the promised Saviour, he offered a burnt-offering for each. We perceive his care for their souls, his knowledge of the sinful state of man, his entire dependence on God's mercy in the way he had appointed.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

Those that die without trusting Christ as their Savior are dead in their sins, without hope, condemned to eternal Hell. Those without Christ do not have to wait until they die to be condemned because they are already condemned. You can do nothing for the dead. See comments about catechism #956, & #958.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him (Jesus) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that HATH the Son hath life; and he that HATH NOT the Son of God hath not life.

Those that sleep, or die in Christ, have hope. All else has no hope!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren (he is talking to the saved), concerning them which are asleep (died in Christ), that ye sorrow not, even as others which HAVE NO HOPE. For if we BELIEVE that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus WILL God bring with him.