Subtitle: A Biblical Defense of Purgatory<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [137 pages; published by Bridge Builders Press on 21 November 2024]<\/span><\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Purchase\u00a0 Options<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [PAPERBACK: $12.99<\/a>] [KINDLE: $8.99<\/a>]<\/p>\n Back cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Introduction (pp. v-x)<\/span> [read below]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1) God of Love, Fire, and Light (p. 1) [can be read online<\/span> at the Amazon page<\/a>: click \u201cRead Sample\u201d under the book cover image<\/span>]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2) Not a <\/span>Post-Mortem<\/b> Second Chance (p. 7)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 3) Not an Eternal <\/span>Payment<\/b> for Sins (p. 15)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 4) Not a <\/span>Place: <\/b>We\u2019re Not Purified Someplace Separate from God\u2019s Presence (p. 23)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 5) A <\/span>Process:<\/b>\u00a0Purification Before the Beatific Vision (p. 29)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 6) A <\/span>Person:<\/b> Jesus, In Whom We See the Face of God (p. 35)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 7) Penance and the Journey Toward Holiness (p. 41)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 8) Preparation for Heaven: God\u2019s Transformative Love (p. 45)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 9) \u201cForensic Justification\u201d: The Big Reason Your Protestant Friend May Never Accept Purgatory (p. 49)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 10) A Biblical Theology of Salvation and Purgation (p. 59)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 11) The 25 Most Common Objections to Purgatory: Biblical and Bridge-Building Responses (p. 67)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 12) A \u201cCoffee Talk\u201d About Purgatory (p. 77)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 13) \u00a0A \u201cYouth Group Talk\u201d About Purgatory: \u201cHeaven Fire\u201d (p. 87)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 14) Catholic Bible Highlights: Marking Up Your Bridge-Builder\u2019s Bible (p. 99)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Appendix I: The Catechism\u2019s Teaching on Purgatory (p. 107)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Appendix II: 110 Biblical Texts Supporting Purgatory (p. 113)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n About the Authors (p. 135)<\/span> [read below]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n About Bridge Builders International (p. 139)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Introduction <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Welcome to God of Love, Fire, and Light: A Biblical Defense of Purgatory<\/em> by Dave Armstrong and Kenny Burchard. As two Catholic converts, we understand that the concept of purgatory often raises more questions than answers, especially among our Protestant brothers and sisters. Like you, we\u2019ve wrestled with these ideas, examined the Bible thoroughly, and ultimately found that the doctrine of purgatory, properly understood, is beautifully biblical, deeply relational, and full of hope.<\/p>\n Purgatory is one of the most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic Church, and it has long been a source of contention for non-Catholics, former Catholics, and even some Catholics themselves. For many, purgatory evokes an image of punitive suffering or a spiritual waiting room where one must \u201cpay off\u201d sins. Like many converts, we once shared these misunderstandings, finding ourselves perplexed and resistant to the doctrine. Yet, as we delved into the teachings of the Church, explored the Catechism, and encountered Scripture\u2019s profound insights, we discovered a vision of purgatory that is deeply hopeful, transformative, and rooted in God\u2019s love.<\/p>\n Central to this hope-filled understanding was Pope Benedict XVI\u2019s 2007 encyclical Spe Salvi<\/em>, a work that profoundly clarifies the Biblical concept of purgatory. In this encyclical, Pope Benedict illuminates purgatory not as a place of fear, but as a healing encounter with Christ. He presents it as a \u201cblessed hope,\u201d where God\u2019s love purifies and prepares us for the fullness of heaven. Pope Benedict\u2019s teaching invites us to see purgatory as an experience of Christ\u2019s mercy, a doctrine of love rather than retribution.<\/p>\n This book, God of Love, Fire, and Light<\/em>, is our way of sharing how we came to love and appreciate this doctrine. What follows is a bridge-building conversation that draws from Scripture, the Catechism, and the insights from Spe Salvi<\/em>. Through these perspectives, we aim to dispel myths and build understanding, offering readers a fresh vision of purgatory as a true gift of God\u2019s mercy.<\/p>\n \u201cTHE FIRE THAT BOTH BURNS AND SAVES\u201d<\/p>\n One of the greatest insights Pope Benedict provides is the understanding that purgatory is not a place of punitive flames, but rather an encounter with the refining love of Christ. He writes, \u201cThe fire which both burns and saves is Christ himself, the Judge and Saviour. The encounter with him is the decisive act of judgment<\/em>\u201d (Spe Salvi<\/em>, 45). Here, purgatory becomes less about repayment and more about transformation. In this final purification, Christ\u2019s love removes anything within us that hinders our full communion with God, allowing us to stand in His presence.<\/p>\n This vision of purgatory resonates deeply with us. Instead of seeing it as a place of suffering, we came to view it as a continuation of God\u2019s saving work. Through purgatory, He prepares us to stand before Him, fully sanctified and radiant with His grace. This teaching reshapes our understanding from a transactional \u201cpayment\u201d to a hopeful process, where Christ, who loves us completely, perfects us to share in His glory.<\/p>\n DISPELLING MYTHS AND EMBRACING MERCY<\/p>\n Many who struggle with purgatory view it as somehow diminishing Christ\u2019s sacrifice or as a form of \u201csecond chance\u201d salvation. But Pope Benedict clarifies that purgatory is not about earning heaven; rather, it is about being made ready for it. As he explains, \u201cIt is not a question of prolonging earthly life, as if that were desirable in itself. Rather, it is a question of healing<\/em>\u201d (Spe Salvi<\/em>, 47). This healing is an expression of God\u2019s mercy, bringing us to the place where we can fully experience His love without the barriers of sin or selfishness. This understanding can be freeing for those who may have felt that purgatory contradicts God\u2019s mercy. Instead, we found that purgatory is a continuation of Christ\u2019s work in us, helping us shed everything that might keep us from embracing His love entirely. For anyone who has walked away from the Church over this doctrine, Pope Benedict\u2019s perspective offers a bridge of understanding, one that reveals purgatory as an extension of Christ\u2019s sacrifice, not a detraction from it.<\/p>\n AN ENCOUNTER THAT TRANSFORMS<\/p>\n One of the most beautiful aspects of Pope Benedict\u2019s teaching is his description of purgatory as an encounter with Jesus, transforming us deeply. He writes, \u201cBefore his gaze, all falsehood melts away. This encounter with him, as it burns us, transforms and frees us, allowing us to become truly ourselves<\/em>\u201d (Spe Salvi<\/em>, 47). In this vision, purgatory becomes a moment when we come face-to-face with Christ, and anything that stands between us and Him is purified in the light of His love. As former evangelicals, this teaching deeply resonates with us. One of the most beloved worship choruses in our non-Catholic churches was \u201cTurn Your Eyes Upon Jesus<\/em>.\u201d Its lyrics say:<\/p>\n Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus <\/em><\/p>\n Look Full In His Wonderful Face <\/em><\/p>\n And the Things of Earth <\/em><\/p>\n Will Grow Strangely Dim <\/em><\/p>\n In The Light of His Glory and Grace <\/em><\/p>\n This chorus captures the essence of what Pope Benedict is conveying about purgatory\u2019s nature. From a Catholic perspective, purgatory is the time when we participate most fully in this gaze into the transforming eyes of Jesus, allowing His \u201cglory and grace\u201d to purify us completely. Far from being a place of solitary suffering, purgatory becomes an intimate encounter with Christ, who draws us ever nearer to Himself, perfecting us in love.<\/p>\n A HOPEFUL PATH FOR ALL<\/p>\n We hope this book will serve as a bridge of understanding for anyone who has struggled with the idea of purgatory. Pope Benedict\u2019s Spe Salvi<\/em> helps us see purgatory as a promise of God\u2019s mercy, a time when we can let go of anything that keeps us from Him. As Benedict writes, \u201cIn the moment of judgment, our defilement and darkness will be eliminated<\/em>\u201d (Spe Salvi<\/em>, 47). Purgatory, then, is not a doctrine of dread but a joyful promise that God\u2019s love is unwavering, purifying us and making us ready to stand before Him.<\/p>\n God of Love, Fire, and Light<\/em> draws deeply from Pope Benedict\u2019s compassionate vision, the wisdom of the Catechism, and Scripture\u2019s portrayal of God\u2019s transforming love. For those within the Church, those who have left, and those who are curious or confused, this book offers a way to see purgatory as a doctrine of hope\u2014a reminder that God\u2019s love will meet us beyond death and purify us for eternal communion with Him.<\/p>\n WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL FIND HERE<\/p>\n In this book, we\u2019re inviting you on a journey through Scripture and Tradition\u2014a journey that illuminates the transformative power of God\u2019s love, a love so profound that it purges and perfects us until we are fit for His eternal presence. We\u2019ll explore what this teaching truly represents, free from misunderstandings or caricatures, while honoring the Biblical call to holiness and transformation that resonates across the Old and New Testaments.<\/p>\n Think of this book as a guide for walking through the doctrine of Purgatory with a Bible in hand. It\u2019s not about theological debates or winning arguments; it\u2019s about under\u2010 standing a profound mystery of the faith, with open hearts and open Bibles.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll find in the pages ahead:<\/p>\n 1. Biblical Foundation<\/strong>: We\u2019ll trace how God has worked through history to bring about a people transformed by His holiness\u2014a journey that\u2019s as much about purification in this life as it is in the next.<\/p>\n 2. The Five Ps of Purgatory<\/strong>: We\u2019ll break down five key elements that help clarify what Purgatory is (and what it isn\u2019t), distinguishing it from common misconceptions.<\/p>\n 3. Tackling Common Objections<\/strong>: Each chapter will also respond to common Protestant concerns, addressing misunderstandings in a way that bridges divides rather than widening them.<\/p>\n 4. Engaging Conversations<\/strong>: You\u2019ll find dialogues between friends exploring these themes and coming to deeper insights through meaningful discussion.<\/p>\n Our hope is that by the end of this study, you\u2019ll feel equipped to talk about Purgatory with clarity, rooted in Scripture and faithful to the Catholic understanding. So grab your Bible, pen, and highlighter \u2013 open your heart, and let\u2019s dive in together.<\/p>\n Dave Armstrong & Kenny Burchard<\/em><\/p>\n About the Authors<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n DAVE ARMSTRONG<\/p>\n Dave Armstrong is a prominent Catholic apologist, author, and researcher known for his deep commitment to explaining and defending the biblical basis for Catholic beliefs and also for in-depth historical \/ patristic analysis. Raised Methodist, Dave underwent a transformative journey to evangelical Christianity in 1977 before finding his spiritual home in the Catholic Church in 1990, a decision influenced by his love for history and Scripture. He has written or edited 55 books, including over twenty \u201cofficially published\u201d ones and four bestsellers in the field.<\/p>\n Dave\u2019s apologetics blog Biblical Evidence for Catholicism<\/em> has received millions of page views since it began in 1997, providing extensive resources for Catholics and seekers alike (over 5,000 free articles and web pages). It was rated in July 2024 as the #1 Christian blog in the world by the evangelical writer, Adrian Warnock. He also serves as the chief researcher for the Catholic Bible Highlights<\/em> series on YouTube, where he appears on the popular segment \u201cFridays With Dave\u201d alongside Kenny Burchard.<\/p>\n Together, they help viewers\u2014Catholic and non-Catholic \u2014discover the scriptural foundations of Catholic doctrine in an accessible, conversational style. Dave has a reputation as a logical and systematic writer, but also offers a gentler, personal approach in interviews and video segments. Through his prolific writing and approachable explanations, Dave Armstrong continues to inspire and guide others on their own journeys toward understanding and embracing the richness of Catholic faith.<\/p>\n KENNY BURCHARD<\/p>\n Kenny Burchard\u2019s spiritual journey has been one of profound transformation, beginning as a devoted Protestant Christian, and evolving through over twenty years in full-time pastoral ministry. He served in three different churches, including twelve years as the senior and founding pastor of a Foursquare Gospel Church in central California from 2001 to 2013. Kenny is a graduate of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary) in Fresno, CA, where he earned a Master\u2019s Degree in New Testament Biblical Theology.<\/p>\n In April of 2019, during the Easter Vigil Mass, Kenny was received into full communion with the Catholic Church, along with his wife, MaryJo, and their son, Victor. This journey, marked by years of study, prayer, and a sincere search for truth, now fuels his commitment to helping Catholics engage with non-Catholic Christians, using the Bible as a bridge for mutual understanding and unity.<\/p>\n At the time of writing, Kenny serves as the Director of Development for The Coming Home Network, International \u2014a Catholic apostolate dedicated to supporting non-Catholic clergy and laity in their journeys to the Catholic Church. He is also the President and Founder of Bridge Builders International, a Catholic apostolate committed to building bridges and healing divisions through Bible studies that present the Biblical foundations of Catholic teaching in a way accessible to non-Catholics. Additionally, Kenny is the host of the popular YouTube channel Catholic Bible Highlights<\/em>, where he unpacks the beauty and depth of Scripture from a Catholic perspective.<\/p>\n Purchase\u00a0 Options<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [PAPERBACK: $12.99<\/a>] [KINDLE: $8.99<\/a>]<\/p>\n Last revised on 5 December 2025<\/span><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Co-Author: Kenny Burchard Subtitle: A Biblical Defense of Purgatory [137 pages; published by Bridge Builders Press on 21 November 2024] *** Purchase\u00a0 Options [PAPERBACK: $12.99] [KINDLE: $8.99] Back cover: Table of Contents Introduction (pp. v-x) [read below] 1) God of Love, Fire, and Light (p. 1) [can be read online at the Amazon page: click […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2331,"featured_media":87769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[160,206],"tags":[19468,2360,2332,19471,19386,209],"class_list":["post-87766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-books-by-dave-armstrong","category-saints-purgatory-penance","tag-a-biblical-defense-of-purgatory","tag-books-by-dave-armstrong","tag-catholic-apologetics","tag-god-of-love-fire-light","tag-kenny-burchard","tag-purgatory-2"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/572\/2024\/11\/550-x-877.png\")
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