In Part 2 of chapter 3’s devotion, we will look at judgment. This set of verses has been misunderstood many, many times and created a lot of confusion. As a Southern Baptist, I believe in the doctrine of eternal security. I believe it because it is in Scripture. I will not list all the references, but if someone would like them please feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to provide them for you.
Paul says that by the “grace of God” he became a “wise masterbuilder.” Paul couldn’t always say that. In fact there is a time in his life (see the early chapters of Acts) that Paul was a foolish builder. He was building his life and basing his eternity on a works based salvation. However, in this passage he says that we are a wise masterbuilder by building our salvation on the grace of God. Salvation is based upon what Christ did on the cross, not who or what I am or have done. There are those who want to point to this passage as a proof of someone losing their salvation. They base it on verse 15. However, a careful reading of this will correct the thinking. Verse 15 says “if any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” Notice what is burned. It is the man’s work, not himself. Therefore, it is not talking about his eternal soul. Rather it is talking about his life and what he did in his life, specifically how he invested his life. Verse 14 also talks about a man’s work that abides will result in a reward. Therefore, this passage is not talking about salvation, it is rather talking about rewards.
Everyone will be judged. I know that is not a popular statement, but it is true nonetheless. Those who have never trusted Christ will be judged at the end of time at the Great White Throne Judgment as given in Revelation 20:11-15. However, even believers will be judged. This passage talks about it as well as 2 Corinthians 5:10. This passage speaks of some bad ways to invest our life in terms of wood, hay, and stubble. It also talks about good ways to invest our life in terms of gold, silver, and precious stones. What is the difference? A bad way to invest our life is in selfish things such as trying to live comfortably, living for pleasure, and living in excess. A good way to invest our life is in the world of building God’s kingdom. We must remember that we have been called to make disciples of all nations. That doesn’t just apply to those in full-time ministry, making disciples is applicable to all who call themselves Christian. We want to make sure at the end of our life we haven’t wasted it, but rather we are invested it in making an eternal difference. See each day and each opportunity as a gift from God for the purpose of bringing glory to God.
By His grace and through His strength may we live for Him