What is the fire that tests our works?
The fire that tests every person's work is the fiery, penetrating eyes of the Lord Jesus, as described in Revelation. It is not literal flames flying out, but His gaze examines each life and reward status, burning up wood, hay, and stubble while leaving gold, silver, and precious stone.
Les explains that the fire testing our works is not actual flames but the fiery eyes of the Lord Jesus described in Revelation. They are so penetrating that they see right through us. When Christ personally examines our work, the wood, hay, and stubble go up in a puff of smoke, leaving only the gold, silver, and precious stone. If a man's work is burned, he suffers loss of reward, yet he himself is still saved.
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
More Questions
What is the fire that tests every man's work in 1 Corinthians 3:13?
The fire that tests every man's work of what sort it is, is the fiery eyes of the Lord Jesus described in the book of Revelation — He has eyes as of fire.
What determines whether a believer's good works survive the fire?
Whether a believer's work survives the testing is primarily based on motive, that is, why we do the things we categorize as good works — whether to please the flesh, to please someone else, or strictly for God's honor and glory.