The Bible does not explicitly mention "purgatory" by name, but some passages are interpreted by certain Christian traditions, especially the Catholic Church, as supporting the concept. The primary biblical basis cited is 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, which describes the Christian life as building on the foundation of Christ. This passage speaks of a testing by fire after death, where some works are burned up but the person can still be saved "as through fire," interpreted as a purification process after death before entering heaven. Other verses like Malachi 3:2-4 describe God as a refiner purifying his people, which some see as metaphorical for purgatory. Isaiah 4:4 and Psalm 66:12 are also referenced as biblical evidence for a cleansing fire after death. The New Testament imagery of fire is seen in two ways: as a purifying agent and as consuming punishment. However, many Protestant interpretations reject purgatory, emphasizing that salvation and cleansing of sin come solely through faith in Jesus and that death is the final judgment without further purification. Scriptures such as Hebrews 9:27 ("it is appointed for man to die once, and after this the judgment") and passages emphasizing salvation by grace alone are commonly cited against the doctrine. In summary, the Bible does not explicitly teach purgatory but contains passages that Catholics interpret as consistent with it—viewing purgatory as a temporary state of purification for believers before heaven. Other Christian groups reject this interpretation based on their understanding of salvation and judgment in Scripture.