2 Maccabees 12:44-45
-
44 For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.
-
45 And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.