Jeffrey,

Let's take one at a time:

1. God created the formless matter from which He formed the world (Genesis 1:2). So, both are correct: God created the universe out of nothing and formed the universe from the formless matter He first created.
   
   
2. Tobit speaks of works pleasing God before the time Christ came into the world. Although Heaven's gates were yet to open, Tobit sensed that being right with God through obedience to His will was important. St. Paul in Ephesians means that no works of the law alone can merit eternal salvation outside of Christ's sacrifice. Jesus opened the door to the Father with His sacrificial death, and we must walk through with the aid of His grace. Souls who lived before Christ, too, can now enter the gate Christ opened if they lived according to His Will.
   
   
3. 2 Maccabees states:
   
   "He made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."  
   
   This insight relates to Purgatory, that prayer and sacrifices we make can be applied to the dead so that their souls may be more quickly purged from the effects of sin and purified in order to be in the fullness of God's presence in Heaven.

Peace,

Paul

Dear Jeffrey —

Paul said:
This insight relates to Purgatory, that prayer and sacrifices we make can be applied to the dead . . .

The word "dead" here is used to refer to those not on their Earthly pilgrimage any more. They are "dead" from the view of those still pilgrimaging on Earth but, in reality, they are very much saved and alive. A better way to refer to them are the Faithful Departed. Since nothing impure can enter Heaven (Revelation 21:27), they — not all; but some, are being purified in the Holy Hospital of Heaven: Purgatory.

Purgatory has nothing to do with salvation; (they are saved). Purgatory has to do with each soul's personal holiness.

Hope this helps,

Mike