I am reading my study bible this morning and going through gospels after your study on The Four Faces Of Jesus, which was great by the way. Referencing Matthew 3:11 the study notes section of my Bible says the unrepentant will receive judgment of eternal fire (which I understand). Then it goes on to say that “Repentant may undergo a purifying fire.” I know we get purified (new bodies) but is this statement correct and is that what the preparer of these notes is alluding to?
Believers were made perfect at the cross (Hebrews 10:12-14) and have no need for further purification. In any case there’s no fire involved in receiving our eternal bodies.
The only place I can think of that speaks of believers and fire together is 1 Cor. 3:10-15 which speaks of things we’ve done being burned up in the fire if they don’t meet the test of being prompted by the Lord and performed in His strength. But Paul was careful to note that this doesn’t impact our salvation (1 Cor. 3:15), and in fact this event will take place after the rapture when we’re already with the Lord.
It’s important to remember with any study Bible that the notes are not inspired, and merely reflect the opinions of the editors.