FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

Paul wrote: “It is to be revealed with fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13). If our contribution to the Kingdom amounts to nothing more than wood, hay and straw, what else can we expect to survive God’s flame besides ashes? And, as the Bible says, one whose foundation is burned up “will suffer loss” (1 Corinthians 3:15). Does this refer to a loss of salvation? Certainly, not! As already stated, this judgment does not determine salvation. That relationship is permanently secure if you’ve accepted Christ. In the same way you cannot decide to be unborn from your physical, or first birth, you cannot determine to become unborn once you have experienced your spiritual, second birth. It sounds odd to use the phrase “getting into heaven” in the same sentence with words like “sadly” and “unfortunately.” Yet, tragically, some will make it, as the old expression goes, “by the skin of their teeth.” They’ve received the Lord, but lived such unproductive Christian lives that they’ll have little to show for it at the judgment. As the Bible says, they’ll “Be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). If you still struggle with the idea that regret, in any form, could seep into the jubilation of heaven, consider the following scenario. My insurance agent calls and says my homeowner’s policy has lapsed and I’m not covered. I assure him I’ll take care of the situation but I don’t. Two weeks later, a tornado rips through my neighborhood and levels our house. My family escapes bodily injury, yet we lose nearly everything we own. Rummaging through the rubble the next day, emotions swirl through my mind. I’m thrilled that my wife and children are safe. Stuff can be replaced, people can’t. But, at the same time, I am regretful that I failed to make proper preparation—especially after being warned. “SAVED…THROUGH FIRE”

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