This illustrates a definitive connection between Matt 24 and the misunderstood purgatory verses referring to the release from Hell in Matthew 5:26 and Luke 12:59. These verses do indicate a release from Hell, but the release happens during this life and not after death.
Matthew 24 is mistakenly thought to refer to the “Second Coming”, which is scripturally defined in Heb 9:28.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Jesus Second Coming is for salvation.
Matthew chapter 24 and similar verses actually refer to “The Day/Days of the Lord” which is a time when God’s judgment is made known.
Mt 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Lu 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Coming out of Hell was once thought to be after physical death and this interpretation of the verses gave rise to the purgatory doctrine.
The connection between Matt chapter 24, Matt 5:26 and Luke 12:59 is found in Matthew 24:43.
Mt 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
In Matthew 24:43 when speaking of the Goodman of the house Jesus warned us to avoid the thief.
The mention of the thief/adversary is what links the account in Matthew Chapter 24 (the thief) with that of Matthew 5:26 (the adversary) and Luke 12:59 (the thief).
Meaning that all three instances refer not to a “Second Coming” (which is illustrated in Acts 3:19-21) but to the judgment referred to as the “Day of the Lord”.
This shows that the mistaken doctrine of purgatory is actually referring to the discipline which happens during this lifetime on earth, after a negative evaluation/judgment (which is the Day of the Lord) and as a result of unchristian like behavior.
Willful sin results in judgment as we are told in Heb 10:27.
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
A literal translation of the phrase “devour adversaries” in Heb 10:27 suggests a consuming of that which is against or exults over something.
This suggests that everything which exults itself over the Knowledge of Christ is devoured or consumed during God’s judgment of willful sin. The same concept referred to in 2 Cor 10:5.
The person is not consumed or devoured the sinful tendencies within the Christian are devoured.
This discipline happens at times known only by the Father and are designed to bring a Christian back into obedience during their earthly lifetime.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
God will allow believers to be influenced by Hell (where the Devil and His fallen angels exist) unless they agree with the adversary/thief, and recognize that their previous behavior has been sinful.
In order to be confessed as a sin an aspect of behavior must first be recognized as being sinful.
When (before God, Job 1:6) the devil accuses a believer of sin the believer must recognize that Satan is only allowed to act in a believers life if they truly have sinned.
The devil can tempt a Christian but not afflict Him, unless they are willfully sinful. They must recognize that their willful behavior patterns were sin and not dismiss the behavior lightly.
In this manner the grace of God teaches Christians to deny ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
It should be remembered that although unbelievers break Gods law and sin, they are not held to account because they have not chosen to be a part of the covenant, Rm 5:13.
What this all means is that hell can effect people in this life, but a Christian can come out of hell through confessing their sin.
Ro 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Job