Fire-works

[netchaplain]

A believer is “a wise master-builder” (1Co 3:10) if he is given to know the purpose for “works” (in the Word which produce love), that they derive in this life from the grace of salvation! In relation to this life, they are purposed to glorify God via being used to “draw” the lost and “exhort” the saved (Jhn 6:44; Heb 10:25); in the next, they eternally glorify Him via having displayed a mature faith-producing-love in Him and His Word (Gal 5:6). Let us seek Him now to know the most of walking in faith, because now is the only time it will ever be used, for only now can “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7).
NC

Fire-works

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“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss” (1Co 3:15). It does not say he shall suffer purgatory, much less that he shall be cast into hell fire, but only that “he shall suffer loss.” What loss, then, will he suffer? I say he will be an eternal loser. He will lose the reward that he might have received. There is a kingdom coming, a manifest kingdom. Christ will be the King and His saints are to reign with Him (Rev 5:10; the believer’s eternal occupation—NC).

It is with reference to that coming kingdom that our works will be tried. The place we shall occupy in the kingdom—the place of honor and authority—will be determined according to the faithfulness in the smaller stewardship of our service on earth. This is shown in the parable of the nobleman*(Luk 19:21, etc.). The same is taught in 2 Peter 1:11: “For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom*of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This may be illustrated by the cases of Abraham and Lot; the one was called the “friend of God,” and maintained the path of faith and obedience. Such a one will have an abundant entrance (have much when entering—NC) into the coming kingdom. Lot on the other hand, was “saved so as by fire”—all his works destroyed, a saved man—but his life was a lost life (concerning faith-work rewards—NC).

In the fifth chapter of Revelation the saints are seen as the twenty-four elders enthroned around the Throne of God. In the 19th chapter the same saints are seen as “the armies which are in heaven.” We have in these chapters two aspects of coming glory for the Church. In the fifth chapter we are seen as worshippers, and there all are alike, all are on one level. But in the 19th it is the King and His armies coming forth to execute judgment and to take the kingdom.

The very idea of an army supposes difference of rank, honor and authority. So it was when David came to the kingdom. His “mighty men” were appointed to positions of honor, differing according to their faithfulness to him during the period of his rejection (2 Samuel 23:8, etc.). Till He comes, let us seek not to please ourselves, nor to please men, nor to please even our brethren, but our Lord alone (we seek to please God in our seeking to love one another, which pleases God more than all things, it being the capstone of all our works in Christ - Jhn 15:12—NC).

“He himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire” (1Co 3:15). It is presumed that the man here referred to is a child of God; and note, the rightness or wrongness of his building or workmanship does not touch the question of his personal salvation, “he himself shall be saved.” Why? Because the question of our guilt was settled at the Cross (and at our point of faith—NC). It is the question of our service that is taken into account as the judgment-seat of Christ. As criminals, we were judged, condemned and executed at the Cross of Christ. As children, we are judged and chastened by the Father in this life. As servants, we shall stand before the Bema and see our works tested in the fire of God’s holiness (solely to determine our rewards, not our salvation—NC).

Further, to show our perfect security as to our eternal salvation, when will this judgment take place? It will be when the Lord Jesus comes at the Rapture (finality of our translation via the redemption of our body – Ro 8:23—NC). Then, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed and caught up (harpazō) to meet Him (1Co 15:52; 1Th 4:17); so that when our works are thus tested by fire, we shall be standing as glorified saints in the presence of our Father (at whatever level of mark He has determined our earthly service in Him—NC).

I believe we shall be perfectly, fully and eternally satisfied, but some will shine brighter than others. Some will have positions of authority in the coming kingdom of which others will not be accounted worthy. Oh, that all earthly ambitions may perish, and that we may covet, through faithfulness to the Lord Jesus here, to be as it were among the aristocracy of His coming Kingdom!


- J R Caldwell (1839-1917)




Poster’s Opinions:

* “the parable of the nobleman”: in this parable (Luk 19) I believe there are three characters of people typified; “A certain nobleman” typifying the Lord Jesus (v 12); “His servants” typifying the saved (v 13); “His citizens who hated Him” typifying the unsaved (v 14). I think the crux of the matter is that among those who were saved, one of them did not seek to obey what was asked of him concerning his gift of works (pound), and so was not exalted; and His enemies who hated Him (unsaved) were “slain” (v 27). Concerning the unfaithful servant, the idea of “taking away what he seemed to have” could not be related to his salvation because it cannot be taken away nor added to, but works can comply with addition or subtraction.

* “an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom*: I believe (according to some Bible commentators) “entrance … abundantly” is reference to the works or virtues mentioned in the preceding verses (2Pe 1:5-7), which presently aids and “ministers” in our difficulties and services, and later is accounted as an “abundance” upon entering heaven. Believers can run their earthly course without seeking to add these to their faith, and thereby fail to receive additionally for them.

 

[for_his_glory]

CROWNS/REWARDS - Greek: (misthos) pay for service, good or bad have power, to separate from others, worthy

We are called of God to be partakers in Christ sharing in his ministry here on earth if we heed his calling. Our service is unto the Lord for the purpose that brings glory and honor to his name when a lost soul comes back to Gods grace. This is not done without rewards as our rewards are Spiritual laid up in heaven until we come to be with the Lord forever, but there are also rewards for those that are not of God, but of a Pharisee spirit and their reward will be eternal separation from God and their reward of damnation when Jesus returns and separates the wheat from the tares or the sheep from the goats.

There are five crowns (not literal crowns) we can obtain here on earth for the accomplishments of service we do unto the Lord. When our race here on earth is done and our time is over we will have the privilege of laying these crowns down before the feet of Jesus to honor him and to hear those words of grace that says “well done thou good and faithful servant”.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

1. CROWN OF LIFE
Martyr's crown is the crown of life given to those who have endured all temptations, trials and tribulations here on earth and have never taken no thought of their own lives, but remained steadfast in the word of God living their lives in total surrender to Jesus.
(James 1:12; Rev 2:10)

2. CROWN OF GLORY
Elder or Pastor Crown is given to those who hold the office of leadership over the members that make up the body of Christ. It is their leadership through the Holy Spirit that helps to teach us about God through his word. Theirs is the greatest judgment for what proceeds out of their mouth.
(1 Peter 5:1-5)

3. CROWN OF REJOICING
A crown of rejoicing is a soul winner’s crown. When we accept Gods commission to take his word out into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit working through us we all rejoice when one lost soul comes back to Gods grace. It’s like the story of the Shepard that had a flock of sheep and one of them strayed away. Even though he loved all his flock he rejoiced more for the lost one he found as now his whole flock was again all together. Imagine the rejoicing if all Gods lost children were found and brought back to Gods grace. What a day of rejoicing that would be. We rejoice in the goodness of God for all the blessings he pours out on us as he is faithful with his promises.
(1 Thessalonians 2:19; Philippians 4:1; Matthew 28:18-20; 18:11-13)

4. CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
A crown for those who love his appearing and will be given in that day to the Lord as a bride to a groom. We will see God in all his glory and his righteousness which is our strength when Jesus returns in the clouds to catch us up to meet him in the air and to be with the Lord forever. Gods’ righteousness is perfect in all his judgment on his people. With Gods righteousness we are perfected as we go through the refiner’s fire to be made pure and holy before his throne of grace. It doesn’t matter how we ourselves try to be righteous we can never be so on our own ability because our own righteousness is as a filthy rag before the Lord because we are all sinners, but those who have been Spiritually reborn or renewed of Gods Spirit to them they have been made righteous before the Father.
(2 Timothy 4:8; Isaiah 45:24; 61:10; Colossians 3:2-4)

5. CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE
An incorruptible crown is a victor’s crown to those who have died to self and are subject to the guidance of the Holy Spirit leading them in all their ways and teach with the knowledge that only comes by the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things and bring those things back to our remembrance. None of us are perfect in our own ways, but are perfected by the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.

There are many out there walking around in sheep’s clothing, but are only ravenous wolves as they devour those without knowledge of Gods word as they are puffed up and edify themselves by teaching a corruptible word of God through a carnal traditional doctrine that not only puts condemnation on those they teach, but also on themselves as they have no knowledge of the truth of Gods word and are only acting on their own behalf as they have not Gods Spirit in them and on that day of judgment they will hear Jesus say that he never knew them.

We strive for an incorruptible crown that allows us to have more of Jesus and less of ourselves to be able to let the light of Christ shine through us before others so they will see the righteousness of God displayed through us that will draw others to his glorious light so their corruption can be made incorruptible and also become pleasing to the father in all they do and say.
(1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 1 John 2:28, 29; Rev 4:10, 11)

 

[netchaplain]

We are called of God to be partakers in Christ sharing in his ministry here on earth if we heed his calling. Our service is unto the Lord for the purpose that brings glory and honor to his name when a lost soul comes back to Gods grace. This is not done without rewards as our rewards are Spiritual laid up in heaven until we come to be with the Lord forever

I like your well-inclusive post, but the above entails all involved with our eternal reward concerning the level of our authority in heaven.

The more the lifestyle of our Christian witness accords with the Word, the more we will present the Lord Jesus to others and one another in the faith, and the more we can be used to bring others to God, then He brings them into rebirth!

Thanks and God be blessed!

 

[for_his_glory]

Those who are faithful with a little are given much just as the rewards we receive that we will lay those crowns down before the feet of Christ as we enjoy being in His glorious presence as He says, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord, Matthew 25:21.

 

[netchaplain]

Those who are faithful with a little are given much just as the rewards we receive that we will lay those crowns down before the feet of Christ as we enjoy being in His glorious presence as He says, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord, Matthew 25:21.

Amen, and as I believe the article suspects, each will be assigned an eternal position of authority in Christ to forever rule with Him over the New Earth and those who will be forever dwelling there (Israel, God's earthly people). The Lord Jesus' and those who are in Him prior to the resurrection will forever rule the New Earth, while dwelling in the New Heaven. This answers to the promise of God that Israel will inherit the Earth forever!

Unbelieving Israel (believers in God but not in His Son until the rapture) will continue to be an eternal "people of God" (Heb 8:10) as the New Earth representative, but not in the son-ship capacity. All who believe in Christ will also be a "people of God" (Rev 21:3) as the New Heaven representative, but in the son-ship capacity!

I realize most believers aren't aware that there will be two groups of people, and I believe its doctrine is primarily for encouragement and not necessary for spiritual growth! Similar to the Book of Revelation. It is mainly for the blessing of encouragement (Rev 1:3; 22:7) and not necessarily spiritual growth (though any Biblical encouragement can be considered useful for spiritual growth if properly understood, as the Lord gives the understanding).

 

[for_his_glory]

Scripture is not very clear about different levels of rewards or punishment so I really think we can only speculate that there might be by trying to understand scripture. Even in these scriptures I am posting some of the rewards are while we are here on this Earth and others like being rulers over nations I would presume is when the New Earth and New Jerusalem is ushered down. Will they have various nations to rule over from the New Jerusalem as scriptures says we sit at Christ throne judging nations, but why would we judge nations on the New Earth as Satan is no longer in the scene and everyone who will be there have already received incoruptible bodies and immortality.

Rev. 2:26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron.
This goes along with one of the parables in Luke 19:17 where the master rewards the servant who was a faithful steward of his money; he says, "because you were faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities."

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
(The white stone and hidden manna here means the Spirits witness while on earth.)

1 Corinthians 3:13 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.14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

 

[netchaplain]

[QUOTE="for_his_glory, post: 1537097, member: 1581" why would we judge nations on the New Earth as Satan is no longer in the scene and everyone who will be there have already received incoruptible bodies and immortality.[/QUOTE]
I believe the eternal scene will be Christ and His saints "judging (ruling; teaching; encouraging) the twelve tribes of Israel" (Mat 19:28; Luk 22:30).

 

[for_his_glory]

[QUOTE="for_his_glory, post: 1537097, member: 1581" why would we judge nations on the New Earth as Satan is no longer in the scene and everyone who will be there have already received incoruptible bodies and immortality.

I believe the eternal scene will be Christ and His saints "judging (ruling; teaching; encouraging) the twelve tribes of Israel" (Mat 19:28; Luk 22:30).
[/QUOTE]

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

The "them" in vs. 28 is that of the 12 Apostles who receive their reward in the New Jerusalem as they forsook all and followed Jesus in the renewal of their spirit so they will be the ones sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes when Jesus will sit then sit on His throne of glory. Vs. 29 are all of us that will be caught up to Christ on the last day, John 5:28, 29; 6:40 as we forsook all (put Him above all things here on earth) and we will receive a hundredfold more worthy that that which we gave up here on earth to follow Jesus and also inherit everlasting life with Him in the New Jerusalem.

 

[jasonc]

A Jew ,or Hebrew believe in God ,but the full God head .how is that possible given the clear statement of if you believe the Father then you believe in Me also,deny Me and deny the Father,

Trinity 101.

This is why I'm amil.

 

[for_his_glory]

A Jew ,or Hebrew believe in God ,but the full God head .how is that possible given the clear statement of if you believe the Father then you believe in Me also,deny Me and deny the Father,

Trinity 101.

This is why I'm amil.

Abraham is probably the best example of faith before that of Christ as he believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness by faith through God's grace, Romans Chapter 4.

 

[jasonc]

Abraham is probably the best example of faith before that of Christ as he believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness by faith through God's grace, Romans Chapter 4.

but Noah found grace in the eyes of God.

 

[jasonc]

and NO it is NOT YHWH is for the Hebrews, and Jesus for the Gentiles, when well Jesus was a Jew. and well the YHWH knew Noah, Seth and others before the nation of Isreal.

 

[for_his_glory]

but Noah found grace in the eyes of God.

You are absolutely right and I should have given that first in Genesis 6:6-8.

 

[jasonc]

In either case ,Jesus returns and there's no second chance imho .

 

[for_his_glory]

and NO it is NOT YHWH is for the Hebrews, and Jesus for the Gentiles, when well Jesus was a Jew. and well the YHWH knew Noah, Seth and others before the nation of Isreal.

YHWH was before the foundation of the world with no beginning or end being Alpha and Omega. He came to earth as the word of God to reconcile all Jew's and Gentiles back to God by His mercy and grace.

 

[jasonc]

YHWH was before the foundation of the world with no beginning or end being Alpha and Omega. He came to earth as the word of God to reconcile all Jew's and Gentiles back to God by His mercy and grace.

All of the God head was before the foundation ,the sonship attributes and the others are for a trinity discussion

 

[for_his_glory]

In either case ,Jesus returns and there's no second chance imho .

Pretrib Rapture is only a theory and not supported with scripture, but many take scripture out of context to prove their point as I believe it was never taught until the 1800's.

John 5:28, 29; John 6:40; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Rev 19:11-21 are just a few scriptures that teach that Christ returns on the last day.

 

[for_his_glory]

All of the God head was before the foundation ,the sonship attributes and the others are for a trinity discussion

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 

[jasonc]

Pretrib Rapture is only a theory and not supported with scripture, but many take scripture out of context to prove their point as I believe it was never taught until the 1800's.

John 5:28, 29; John 6:40; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Rev 19:11-21 are just a few scriptures that teach that Christ returns on the last day.

A type of it existed in Justin's day .we had a member who pointed that out as the orthodox still teach it

 

[for_his_glory]

A type of it existed in Justin's day .we had a member who pointed that out as the orthodox still teach it

I do remember that from long ago someone mentioning that. They teach it though without and proof other than a bandwagon teaching that has lined the pockets of many.