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Flames for Christians?
| Most Christians assume the flames of hell are reserved for those who
have rejected Christ. However, there are some Christians who will also
experience flames.
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire. - 1 Corinthians 3:15
After death there is to be an evaluation of the “work” of each
Christian. This will result in either reward or loss. What is lost is
not described, but the process of loss is describes as by fire, which
implies something painful. The “fire” described does not sound lasting,
but the loss does. The works described fall into one of two categories.
The first is described as gold, silver, and precious stones. The second
category is described in the combustible terms wood, hay, and stubble.
These works do not determine who is a Christian or not. They might be
seen as the summation of how a Christian lived his life. One way to
divide the Christian life is to apply that to which we are exhorted. We
are told not to walk in the flesh, but by the Spirit. This division
might be better understood as to not live for ourselves, but for
others. This may be the distinction of our “works”.
Most people think living by the flesh is defined by things like theft
and murder. However, things like laziness, self-righteousness, pride,
greed, and an ambition for prominence can all contribute to combustible
works. Even those who are mistaken in their religious service are not
excused.
Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then
will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that
work iniquity. - Matthew 7:22-23
Being mistaken about how to serve the Lord was anticipated at the time
of Israel. One can see that it should be expected that similarly some
today would also be mistaken in their assumption of rewards. The lazy
might be exhorted towards works that would be rewarded. However, there
is little hope for the self-righteous.
Salesmanship might be seen as a human work that accomplishes an
objective, by fair means or foul. Many try to apply this to their faith
such as with evangelism or apologetics. Even if one forgoes “foul”
means like manipulation, deceit, or bullying, “fair” means like making
people feel good or comfortable is also of the flesh.
Many Christians have been “warehoused” by their denominations. Having
met the denominational criteria they can think they have a ticket to
heaven and there is nothing left to do. In reality the Christian life
is supposed to be about maturing in faith and transitioning from the
flesh to the selflessness of Christ-like love. This is manifest by
things like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, and temperance. Once a Christian begins to live for
others and Christ, he begins to accrue rewards.
And that he died for all, that they
which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him
which died for them, and rose again. - 2 Corinthians 5:15
At first glance one might think that using selfishness as a criteria
might fail to include those who were mistaken, such as those who, even
with good intentions, advocated error such as living a legalistic life.
However, one could make a case that the failure to discern truth or the
arrogance to declare that one is following it when they are not may
both be indicative of a person who either by laziness, or
self-righteousness neglected truth.
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