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We're not saved by our works but saved for works! 6/21/2010 8:10:13 AM
Will your works be of wood, hay, and stubble or gold, silver, and precious stones in Heaven?
If we're saved by grace, why are we talking about works? But James 2:20 says, "faith without deeds is useless"
So, what kind of works are we talking about; what will Jesus be looking at?
First; the Lord will examine how we spent our time, money, and spiritual gifts that He had given us through the Holy Spirit. We were to have laid treasures in Heaven, not on earth. Also the motives behind the giving would be considered; if we gave out of guilt or to gain, the reward is wood. However, if we gave out of generosity, joy, and thanksgiving to God, then the reward would be gold.
Second, how a person controlled his or her body and put it into subjection, the way the Lord would have wanted, will be considered. Third, how much suffering did the saint go through for the Lord? Fourth, how nice he or she treated other believers in their circle of fellowship. Again, the motives are examined, if the person served others to be noticed or to impress men, the reward is wood. But if it was done to meet the needs of other people out of love, pleasing the Lord and living by His will, then the reward would be gold.
And finally, how a person exercised his or her authority as a husband or wife, father or mother, and his or her position in the church and at work will be considered. The way a Christian lived and acted; either brought or repelled people to Christ. Trivial pursuits such as worldly success and material growth are stubble, but God's will pursuits are gold.
Oh, don't get nervous. The Lord Jesus is our advocate and attorney in front of the Father. We abide in Him, so that we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at that time. The athletes don't lose their citizenship if they break the rules; they only forfeit their reward.
Our works will follow us to Heaven. Christ is the foundation; we build on it with works of wood, hay, stubble or gold, silver, and precious stones. He will reward each person according to what he or she has done.
