The Refiner’s Fire
Posted By Joe on February 13, 2009
Continuing with the theme of seeing recent posts that don't seem to follow Scripture, another subject is loss of salvation versus loss of reward.
At the end of the age, the believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Before any of the believers get nervous about that, the unbelievers won't be in attendance. Instead, they will be going before the Great White Throne Judgment as is described in Revelation 20:11-15. The judgment seat of Christ is different in that the believers will stand before God and have their works tested to determine their reward.
According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. --1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
This is Paul speaking to the Corinthian church. The materials he describes--the gold, silver, etc.--all represent the various types of works that the believer presents at the judgment seat of Christ. Obviously, the quality of gold, silver and precious stones are the works that are valuable and enduring. Those made of wood, hay, or straw not ultimately worthless and will be consumed.
But remember, we are talking about the works that will gain the believer a reward. He is already with Christ (salvation) in order to present his works to Him. Paul is very explicit on this point: "But he himself will be saved."
Just remember that the next time the "accuser of the brethren" tries to tell you that you'll lose your salvation, remind him that he'll be at the other "thrown": that's right, thrown into the lake of fire!
May He Increase!
About the author
As I grow older I wish I could go back and do some things different. I was never quite the husband I wanted to be and I was not quite the father I wanted to be............I have failed my heavenly Father in many ways. I pray that I will finish well.
Amen. Hindsight is always 20-20 (well, most of the time). I'm just grateful to God to sees all and still love me.
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