FOUNDATION - JESUS

I Corinthians 3: 11-15

For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is JESUS Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood hay stubble - 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 test every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED, YET AS BY FIRE.

 

When the believer in JESUS appears before the Bema seat of Christ, their works will be judged by the fire of GOD. Wood, hay and stubble will quickly burn, but gold, silver and precious stones will not burn, they only melt and harden. The reward is in the hand of JESUS and He will give crowns to those who have built on HIM with gold, silver and precious stones. Gold, silver and precious stones stand for those works which are in and of JESUS Christ. The believer preaches, teaches, and lives according to the way and work of the LORD JESUS. Wood, hay and stubble represent those who build on the foundation, JESUS Christ,  those things which depart from the mind of Christ and His Holy Word. It is also true that gold, silver and precious stones are works which JESUS, by His Holy Spirit, does through the believer ( sometimes unknown to the instrument of His work). Wood, hay and stubble are works done by the person in their own strength.

 

When the day of judgment comes for the believer, the fire of the Holy Spirit will try all the works of man and burn up the unworthy works so that a person only brings to JESUS what has been refined by fire and is pure.  Those who carry the pure gold, silver and precious stones will receive a reward. Could this reward be the joy of giving to JESUS the highest and best? Could this be the dowry of the Bride of Christ brought to her Spouse, JESUS? Think about it. Wouldn't you love to give to JESUS gold, silver and precious stones out of your great love for Him?

If a person stands before JESUS without any gold, silver or precious stones, but stands on the foundation, which is belief in JESUS, they shall be saved and live with Him forever. Works do not bring salvation; belief in JESUS does.