Purgatory

Many believers in Christ are shocked and disappointed to realize that we will first be judged by fire. But after we understand the process of our judgment and the purpose of the fire, we should no longer have cause for surprise or dismay." ~ Beth Moore, A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place

This morning I was doing my homework for the Beth Moore study I am doing. I am on Week 3, Day 2. In this part of the study she discusses the various things the tabernacle is made of and then talks about the consuming fire of God and how the precious things we build with -- gold, silver and precious stones -- will not be burned up the in the fire of God. Then she says what I quoted above. I have to wonder if she has any idea that she is describing Purgatory.

To continue with what she says:

Hebrews 12:29 says: "For our 'God is a consuming fire.'" You can see that it would be impossible to be judged by God without being judged by fire. In fact, understanding the role of the fire in our judgment is crucial...

God judges us with fire for two reasons:
1. To cast a revealing light over all our works and the motivations that bore them and to burn away all works of temporal value: the hay, wood, and straw
2. To reward what is left after the fire consumes everything temporal: the imperishable, eternal works of gold, silver, and precious stones

• Works of gold acknowledge that He alone is worthy, that He alone is
  God.
• Works of silver proceed from a heart that responds with inexpressible
  gratitude for our redemption and the inestimable price paid for our
  atonement.
• Works of precious stones result when children of the royal priesthood, serve
  and minister as we are fully equipped with the gifts of the Holy
  Spirit.

If you are a believer, your judgment will not determine your eternal destiny. Christ's finished work on Calvary was applied to you the moment you accepted Christ as Savior. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:1)!

Sounds like a very good explanation of Purgatory to me.