Burned Up in Heaven?
In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul paints a picture of what happens to our actions when we get to heaven. True believers in Jesus won’t face judgment for our salvation—Jesus paid that in full on the cross. Instead, we’ll be judged on what we did with our lives here on earth. So, what does Paul mean when he talks about things like gold, silver, wood, hay, and stubble? In this study, we’ll look at why every action will be judged, how it will be tested by fire, and what will last.
1. Why Does God Judge Our Works?
In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul explains that everything we do will be tested by God. Burned up in heaven? Yes! God will evaluate every choice, every act of kindness, every time we shared the gospel, and every moment we spent helping others. The Bible says God loves us and knows that what we do on earth has an eternal impact.
Think of it like building a house. Some materials are strong, like brick and steel, and others are weak, like wood and straw. When tested by fire, only the strong materials will stand. In the same way, when we live our lives out of love for God, those actions will survive God’s fire, like gold, silver, and precious stones. But if we only live for ourselves, those works are like wood, hay, and stubble—they’ll burn up and leave nothing behind.
2. God’s Fire Reveals Our True Intentions
Paul explains that God’s fire will test the quality of our work, not the quantity. So, what will be burned up in heaven? If our actions were done with pure hearts, to serve others and glorify God, they will stand the test. Think about someone who volunteers or gives generously, not for attention but because they truly want to help. God sees that heart, and those actions have lasting value in His eyes.
However, if we’re only doing good things for praise or to make ourselves look good, those actions will burn up. Wood, hay, and stubble represent things done out of selfishness or pride. When we live only for ourselves, none of it will last. The Bible says God’s fire will burn away all these selfish motives, showing what was truly valuable.
3. Living for What Will Last
Paul’s message isn’t to scare us but to remind us to live for what matters. Jesus taught us to love others, be generous, and share His gospel. When we make choices that honor God, our actions have eternal worth. They won’t be burned up in heaven but will endure like gold, silver, and precious stones.
One day, every believer will stand before God and see their life’s work tested. Imagine what it will feel like to see God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Knowing that God values even our smallest act of kindness should inspire us to live for Him.
Conclusion: Will Your Works Stand the Test?
Burned up in heaven? That’s exactly what happens to works done out of selfishness or pride. When we choose to live for God, our lives build something eternal. So let’s strive for actions that glorify Him, serve others, and share the gospel—these are the things that last, and these are the things that bring God joy.
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