1 Corinthians 3:11 NASB For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:12 NASB Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
1 Corinthians 3:13 NASB 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.
1 Corinthians 3:14 NASB If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 3:15 NASB If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Brothers and Sisters,
The above portion of Scripture makes a nice Bible Study, and it speaks volumes. There are several huge points made in this short portion of Scripture.
1 - The foundation is and MUST be JESUS CHRIST.
2 - The work of each Christian will be tested as with fire, and the useless work will be burned up. This is a reminder for all Christians to use time wisely and for the LORD, building on the foundation of JESUS CHRIST.
3 - Rewards are mentioned in this portion of Scripture, and this is over and beyond Salvation. Most Christians are overwhelmed with Salvation alone, knowing that JESUS CHRIST has rescued us from the curse of sin and death. However, this portion of Scripture makes it plain that a Christian's "Good Works" will be judged for additional rewards. The Holy Bible doesn't give us very many details about these rewards, but they must be significant to be mentioned. This is a good point to do a study on what constitutes "Good Works" and what doesn't.
4 - This portion of Scripture makes it more than plain AGAIN that Salvation is NOT earned with Good Works. A man may have his works burned up as useless and he will suffer loss of rewards, but he will still be saved.
Overall, this portion of Scripture is good for us to think about often. What do we do with our time, and do we please GOD with what we do? Other than rewards, don't we have ample reasons to do good works for the LORD? YES - this would be a natural result of our love and appreciation for what JESUS CHRIST did on the CROSS for us.
SO, our good works should be solely based on our LOVE for GOD and wanting to please him.Love In Christ,
Tom
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