It is common practice for the dead in purgatory to obtain indulgence from God through the Catholic Church for remission of their sins (CCC X. Indulgences). This practice seems to come from 2 Maccabees 12:38-46.
These indulgences are limited to those who die in the communion of saints (the faithful).
I take this practice one step further. I believe that we can offer up our own good works for the atonement of the dead in hell. Nowhere in Maccabees does it say that atonement is limited to the dead in “purgatory.”
God’s love is greater than the Catholic Church teaches.
Matthew 5:44. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
God’s love is true and pure and is not limited to the faithful.
Here are my views on atonement and commentary on “shadow people” -
Some of the dead today are commonly referred to as “shadow people”. I have seen thousands of these spirits. And, I have received divine guidance in regards to them.
I urge those who have the dead in their lives or loved ones in hell to please listen.
There are various shades of darkness and white or light in the spirit world. In which two kingdoms exist...heaven and hell. The darker spirits are malevolent and are in hell. Here, you can find "shadow people" in scripture,
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Shadow people are generally malevolent spirits of the dead. They are the lost human souls of the netherworld.
It is the human condition that we are evil and wicked without God in the afterlife. The soul is in ruins. And in need of salvation (divine restoration).
1 Peter 4:6. For this reason the gospel was preached also to the dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in spirit.
Only Christ holds the keys to the gates of hell. Why would Christ hold the keys to a door that cannot be opened?
And it is by the power of God that salvation is made for the dead.
1 Corinthians 1:18. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Comment: Why is “purgatory” necessary, if salvation is by the power of God? Christ can save the dead in a blink of the eye. Although, Catholic myself, I cast my doubts on purgatory.
There is only one way to help these spirits. And that is by making atonement for their sins. In this way, their souls are restored by the divine power of Christ and they can be good spirits with their friends and family in heaven.
2 Maccabees 12:46. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.
Freedom for the dead shackled in the dark kingdom can only come through making atonement to Christ for their sins. Atonement is made by offering up good works to the one and only risen King.
One must be in good standing with God and have the door closed to these spirits before atonement will be accepted. This should be done as soon as possible.
Leviticus 19:31. Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them; I am the Lord your God.
Mediums and familiar spirits involve consulting the spirits of the dead. All contact with these or other spirits was strictly forbidden in Israel. It demonstrated lack of faith in and rebellion against God.
Atonement can also be made for our friends and loved ones in hell.
In conclusion, this, my friends, is the most loving thing you can do for these poor, lost souls. And, may God bless you for such an undertaking.