What happens to every believer's work according to 1 Corinthians 3?
According to 1 Corinthians 3, every believer's work will be made manifest and examined by the Lord's fiery scrutiny. Works built on the foundation of Jesus Christ—gold, silver, and precious stones—survive the fire, while wood, hay, and stubble are consumed. Motives determine whether the work is done for God's honor and glory.
Les explains that if any believer builds upon the foundation of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, the materials are gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble. He says every believer's work shall be made manifest—put in the spotlight—and the fiery eyes of the Lord Jesus will examine everything done as believers. The gold, silver, and precious stones are things the fire cannot touch, while wood, hay, and stubble go up in a puff of smoke. Les emphasizes this is primarily based on motive: why we do the things we categorize as good works—whether to please the flesh, please someone else, or strictly for God's honor and glory.
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.
More Questions
What does it mean that every believer's work will be made manifest?
Every believer's work shall be made manifest, which means it will be put in the spotlight.
What is the fire that tests every believer's work in 1 Corinthians 3?
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.
How will a believer's work be tested at the judgment?
Every believer's work will be tested by fire to reveal what sort it is.