Foundations for Eternal Life
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NIV
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the importance of building our lives on a strong foundation, using Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. He warns against building on a faulty foundation, which can lead to destruction when tested by fire.
The Foundation of Jesus Christ
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us that Jesus Christ is the only foundation that can support our lives. Any other foundation, no matter how attractive or sturdy it may seem, will ultimately fail. Jesus is the Rock on which we must build our lives.
Quality of Work Will Be Tested
12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,
Paul uses the analogy of building materials to describe the quality of our work. He lists six materials, ranging from the most valuable (gold and silver) to the most flammable (wood, hay, and straw). The quality of our work will be tested by fire, revealing its true value.
Fire Will Test the Quality of Each Person's Work
13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work.
On the Day of Judgment, our work will be tested by fire, revealing its true quality. This testing will expose the motives and intentions behind our actions, and only that which is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ will withstand the flames.
Reward or Loss
14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
The outcome of this testing will be either a reward or loss. If our work survives the fire, we will receive a reward. However, if our work is consumed by the flames, we will suffer loss, although we will still be saved.
In conclusion, Paul's message is clear: we must build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, using materials that will withstand the testing of fire. Only then can we be confident of receiving a reward and avoiding loss.
