Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Interpretation:

Grace, Humility, and Eternal Rewards in God's Kingdom (Gateway Church Cornwall) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a vivid depiction of the final assessment of a believer’s works, emphasizing that the “fire” of Judgment Day will not judge the believer’s salvation but will test the eternal value of their deeds. The sermon uniquely explores the idea that not only obviously worthless works (the “wood, hay, or straw”) will be burned up, but also seemingly good works done from impure motives—such as insecurity, desire for merit, or lack of faith—may be lost. The preacher uses the analogy of “dragging the dead thing behind me” to describe the old self’s desire for merit and recognition, suggesting that even works that appear good may be consumed if their heart motive is wrong. The sermon also draws a distinction between works that are “eternal” (rooted in the fruit of the Spirit and genuine love) and those that are not, suggesting that even small, unnoticed acts done in the right spirit may have lasting, eternal impact, while grand acts done for self-glory will not survive the fire.

Understanding Eternal Rewards: Living for God's Glory (RockPointe Church) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a clear teaching on the distinction between the gift of salvation (the foundation, which is Christ) and the rewards believers receive for their works. The sermon offers a novel analogy between a parent giving a child a birthday gift (unearned, like salvation) and a reward for chores (earned, like heavenly rewards), and further illustrates the passage with a family vacation “money challenge” where the child’s stewardship of a gift leads to a doubled reward. The preacher emphasizes that the “fire” tests not only the action but the motive, and that only works done as “acts of worship” with pure motives will endure. The sermon also uses the metaphor of “capacity” for joy in heaven, likening it to music appreciation: everyone’s “cup” is full, but some have a greater capacity to enjoy, based on their faithfulness and growth.

Embracing Heavenly Rewards: Our Ultimate Inheritance in God (David Guzik) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a foundational text for understanding the “judgment seat of Christ” (Bema seat), where believers’ works are individually evaluated for reward, not salvation. Guzik’s unique contribution is the detailed breakdown of “reward as what remains” after the fire, and the sobering warning that some who thought they did great things for God will find their works burned up due to impure motives or self-glorification. He uses the analogy of the “hot shot pastor” whose works are consumed, versus the humble parking lot servant whose unnoticed faithfulness endures. Guzik also speculates that the “reward” may be a greater “capacity” to enjoy God, using the metaphor of everyone’s cup being full, but some cups being larger.

Understanding Christian Judgment: Cross vs. Great White Throne (David Guzik) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a description of the believer’s unique judgment—not for sin, which was judged at the cross, but for works and motives. Guzik emphasizes that the “fire” of Christ’s assessment will burn away all that was not truly done for God, and that the loss is not punitive but a revelation that those works “never really existed” in God’s eyes. He highlights the sadness of those who arrive in heaven expecting great reward, only to see their works vanish, and stresses that the only reward is for what remains after the fire.

God's Ultimate Plan: Judgment, Redemption, and Eternal Purpose (David Guzik) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a warning and encouragement that it is possible to have a “saved soul but a wasted life.” He uniquely frames the passage as a “job performance assessment” rather than a judicial trial, and uses the metaphor of “everyone’s cup in heaven being full, but some cups being bigger” to explain the difference in reward and capacity for joy. Guzik also stresses that the “fire” tests both actions and motives, and that the loss is not shame or punishment, but the simple absence of reward for what was not truly done for Christ.

Judgment for Believers: Rewards, Not Condemnation (Desiring God) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a description of the believer’s judgment, emphasizing that this judgment is not about condemnation or punishment for sin, but about the loss or gain of eternal rewards. The sermon uniquely frames the “loss” as the burning up of worthless works, not as punitive but as a natural consequence of God’s justice—He will not reward sin or worthless deeds. The preacher uses the analogy of “different sizes of cups” to illustrate that while all believers will be perfectly happy in heaven, some will have greater capacities or avenues for joy, based on their faithfulness. The “fire” is not God’s wrath but a revealing, purifying test of the quality of each person’s work, and the loss is not resented by true Christians, who will rejoice in whatever grace they receive.

Investing in Eternity: Living for God's Purpose (SermonIndex.net) offers a vivid and original analogy, comparing the works of a believer to writing with either a dry erase marker or a permanent marker on a whiteboard. The dry erase marker represents worldly or temporal pursuits, which God will one day “erase” with the fire of judgment, leaving nothing behind if they were not done for Him. The permanent marker symbolizes actions done “from Him, through Him, and to Him” (Romans 11:36), which will remain after the fire. The preacher extends the metaphor to everyday life, urging listeners to let the Holy Spirit “fill” them with permanent ink so that all they do is for God’s glory and will survive the final test.

Investing in Eternity: The Value of Our Actions (SermonIndex.net) interprets the passage by focusing on the symbolic meaning of the building materials: gold as devotion to God, silver as the sanctified use of the tongue, and precious stones as intercessory prayer (drawing from the imagery of the priest’s breastplate). The sermon contrasts visible, above-ground works (wood, hay, stubble) with hidden, below-ground works (gold, silver, precious stones), suggesting that much public ministry will be reduced to ashes, while unseen devotion and prayer will endure.

Integrity, Trust, and Stewardship in Christ (SermonIndex.net) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a warning that God will test not the quantity but the quality of every believer’s work. The preacher applies this to the modern church, critiquing the focus on numbers and outward success, and instead emphasizing the importance of making true disciples and overcoming sin. The analogy of a “gift” to God is used: the quality of our work is like the value of a gift we give to someone we love—God deserves our best, not “third-rate” offerings. The preacher also personalizes the warning, imagining the sorrow of entering heaven with a life’s work burned up as worthless.

The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word (SermonIndex.net) interprets 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 as a sobering warning to those who would presume to teach or preach in the church without a clear calling and gifting from God. The sermon uses the metaphor of building with "good materials" (gold, silver, costly stones) versus "bad materials" (wood, hay, straw) to illustrate the quality and faithfulness of one's ministry, emphasizing that shoddy or careless teaching will be exposed and consumed on Judgment Day, even if the teacher is ultimately saved. The preacher draws a vivid analogy between the "fire" of God's judgment and the testing of a builder's work, warning that the experience of having one's ministry "burned up" is not a trivial matter but a deeply serious loss. The sermon uniquely applies this passage to the context of homiletics and the preparation of sermons, arguing that the supernatural nature of teaching God's Word demands a level of soul-searching and self-examination that goes far beyond mere academic or rhetorical skill. The preacher also distinguishes between the fear of man and the fear of God, insisting that the trembling appropriate to teaching is not stage fright but a holy dread of misrepresenting God and misleading His people.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Theological Themes:

Grace, Humility, and Eternal Rewards in God's Kingdom (Gateway Church Cornwall) introduces the theme that the true test of works is not their outward appearance but the heart motive behind them, suggesting that insecurity, desire for merit, or lack of faith can render even “good” works worthless in eternity. The sermon also presents the idea that the fruit of the Spirit—character transformation—constitutes eternal treasure, and that even unnoticed acts done in love may have lasting, unseen impact.

Understanding Eternal Rewards: Living for God's Glory (RockPointe Church) adds the distinct theme of “capacity for joy” as a reward, using the music appreciation analogy to suggest that faithfulness in this life increases one’s ability to enjoy God and heaven, not in a competitive sense but as a deeper experience. The sermon also highlights the difference between “gift” (salvation) and “reward” (for works), and the importance of pure motives, referencing Jesus’ teaching on secret acts of righteousness.

Embracing Heavenly Rewards: Our Ultimate Inheritance in God (David Guzik) introduces the theme that reward is not only what remains after the fire, but also includes increased responsibility in the age to come, crowns of victory, and—most profoundly—a greater capacity to enjoy God Himself. Guzik also uniquely suggests that believers themselves are, in some mysterious sense, God’s own inheritance and reward, drawing from Ephesians 1:18.

Understanding Christian Judgment: Cross vs. Great White Throne (David Guzik) emphasizes the theme that the believer’s judgment is not punitive but revelatory, exposing the true value of one’s life and service, and that the only “loss” is the absence of reward for what was not truly done for Christ.

God's Ultimate Plan: Judgment, Redemption, and Eternal Purpose (David Guzik) adds the theme that the judgment seat of Christ is an “assessment” rather than a trial, and that the real tragedy is a “wasted life”—a life that, though saved, produces little or nothing of eternal value. He also stresses that the reward is not about status but about stewardship and capacity for joy and service in the age to come.

Judgment for Believers: Rewards, Not Condemnation (Desiring God) introduces the nuanced theme that the loss experienced at the judgment seat is not punitive but is a loss of reward, and that true Christians will not begrudge God for this loss but will rejoice in the grace they do receive. The sermon also explores the idea that there will be “varieties of blessing” in heaven—different capacities for joy—yet all will be perfectly satisfied, a theme not commonly emphasized in discussions of heavenly reward.

Investing in Eternity: Living for God's Purpose (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinctive theological theme that the permanence of our works is determined by their origin, means, and goal—only what is “from God, through God, and to God” will last. The preacher applies this to all of life, not just overtly spiritual activities, and teaches that even mundane tasks can be “permanent marker” if done in the Spirit and for God’s glory. The sermon also introduces the idea that the “ink” inside us—what fills and motivates us—determines whether our works are lasting or fleeting.

Investing in Eternity: The Value of Our Actions (SermonIndex.net) adds a new facet by connecting the enduring materials to specific spiritual disciplines: gold as devotion, silver as sanctified speech, and precious stones as intercessory prayer. The sermon also introduces the theme that much visible ministry may be worthless in God’s eyes, while hidden spiritual life is what truly endures.

Integrity, Trust, and Stewardship in Christ (SermonIndex.net) brings a fresh angle by emphasizing that the “fire” of judgment is not impressed by quantity—no matter how large a ministry or church, only the quality of discipleship and personal holiness will matter. The preacher also stresses that entering heaven with a wasted life is a real possibility, and that the goal is not merely to “make it” but to offer God a worthy gift of gratitude.

The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinct theological theme that justification by faith does not shield Christian teachers from the consequences of shoddy ministry at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The sermon insists that while salvation is secure, the loss described in 1 Corinthians 3:15 is real and severe, involving not only personal regret but also accountability for the spiritual harm caused to others through poor teaching. The preacher further develops the theme that the stricter judgment for teachers is not a matter of divine partiality but of increased responsibility: those entrusted with more light and authority are held to a higher standard, echoing Jesus' principle that "to whom much is given, much is required." The sermon also introduces the idea that the "blood" of those misled by false or careless teaching will be required at the teacher's hand, drawing a parallel to the warnings given to Ezekiel as a watchman. This adds a layer of communal and eternal consequence to the passage, moving beyond individual loss to the potential spiritual peril of others.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Grace, Humility, and Eternal Rewards in God's Kingdom (Gateway Church Cornwall) provides historical context for the Denarius as a day laborer’s wage in first-century Palestine, explaining that it was a “middle class” wage and that day laborers were at the bottom of the social hierarchy, often waiting all day for work. The sermon also references the “eye of the needle” as a small gate in Jerusalem, requiring camels to be unloaded and crouch down, illustrating the difficulty (but not impossibility) for the rich to enter the kingdom.

Embracing Heavenly Rewards: Our Ultimate Inheritance in God (David Guzik) offers historical context for the “crown” imagery, explaining that in the Greco-Roman world, crowns were given to victorious athletes and generals, made of leaves that would fade, in contrast to the “imperishable crown” promised to believers. He also notes the use of the Bema seat in ancient Greek culture as a place of reward and recognition, not condemnation.

God's Ultimate Plan: Judgment, Redemption, and Eternal Purpose (David Guzik) provides historical background on the Roman practice of standing for sentencing after a guilty verdict, explaining that the “standing” posture in Revelation 20 indicates the condemned are awaiting sentencing, not trial. He also details the ancient understanding of Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna, and the Valley of Hinnom as Jerusalem’s garbage dump, which became a metaphor for hell.

Investing in Eternity: The Value of Our Actions (SermonIndex.net) provides a historical insight by referencing the priest’s breastplate from the Old Testament as the background for the “precious stones” in Paul’s metaphor, connecting the enduring value of intercessory prayer to the priestly role of carrying the names of the tribes before God.

Integrity, Trust, and Stewardship in Christ (SermonIndex.net) offers contextual insight into the ancient world’s valuation of building materials, noting that wood, hay, and stubble were common, visible, and above-ground, while gold, silver, and precious stones were rare, hidden, and valuable. The preacher also references the cultural context of the early church, which lacked wealth, buildings, and organization, yet “turned the world upside down,” contrasting this with the modern focus on numbers and outward success.

The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by referencing the less structured, open format of early Christian gatherings, particularly in Corinth, where many felt free to stand and speak. The preacher notes that Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 were meant to bring order and limit the number of speakers, suggesting that the warning in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 is especially relevant in settings where unqualified individuals might presume to teach. The sermon also references the rigorous vetting process of Charles Spurgeon's Pastor's College, contrasting it with the more permissive attitudes of modern seminaries and churches, and highlighting the historical seriousness with which the calling to teach was once regarded.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Cross-References in the Bible:

Grace, Humility, and Eternal Rewards in God's Kingdom (Gateway Church Cornwall) cross-references Matthew 20:1-16 (parable of the laborers in the vineyard), Matthew 19 (the rich young ruler), John 3:16, and the story of Nicodemus to illustrate the themes of grace, reward, and the reversal of human expectations. The sermon also references the Last Supper (Jesus washing the disciples’ feet), the request of James and John’s mother (for places of honor), and the “crown of life” (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10), connecting these to the idea of reward and humility.

Understanding Eternal Rewards: Living for God's Glory (RockPointe Church) references 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 (the day of the Lord), Acts 2:20 (quoting Joel), Philippians 1:6 (the day of Jesus Christ), Matthew 25 (parable of the talents), Luke 19 (parable of the minas), Romans 14:10-12 (judgment seat of God), 2 Corinthians 5 (judgment seat of Christ), Ephesians 2:8-9 (salvation by grace), Matthew 6 (secret acts of righteousness), Matthew 5 (rewards for persecution), 1 Thessalonians 2 (crown of boasting), 2 Timothy 4 (crown of righteousness), and 2 Corinthians 4:17 (eternal weight of glory). Each reference is used to build a comprehensive biblical theology of reward, judgment, and faithfulness.

Embracing Heavenly Rewards: Our Ultimate Inheritance in God (David Guzik) cross-references Isaiah 40:10 and 60:11 (God’s reward), Matthew 5:11-12 and 10:42 (reward for faithfulness), Revelation 22:12 (Jesus bringing reward), 3 John 8 (full reward), Hebrews 6:10 (God not forgetting labor of love), Colossians 3:23-24 (reward of inheritance), 1 Corinthians 3:8 (individual reward), Revelation 5:10 and 20:6 (reigning with Christ), Matthew 25:21 and Luke 19:17-19 (parable of responsibility), 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10 and 3:11 (crowns), Genesis 15:1 (God as reward), Psalm 16:5 (the Lord as portion), Revelation 21:3 (God dwelling with His people), and Ephesians 1:18 (believers as God’s inheritance). Each passage is used to expand the concept of reward, responsibility, and the ultimate inheritance in God.

Understanding Christian Judgment: Cross vs. Great White Throne (David Guzik) references 2 Corinthians 5:10 (judgment seat of Christ), 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (testing of works), Revelation 20:11-12 (great white throne), and Galatians (freedom from the curse), using these to distinguish between the judgment of believers and unbelievers, and to clarify the nature of Christian judgment.

God's Ultimate Plan: Judgment, Redemption, and Eternal Purpose (David Guzik) references Revelation 20:11-15 (great white throne), 2 Corinthians 5:10 (judgment seat of Christ), 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (testing of works), Luke 16 (rich man and Lazarus), 1 Peter 3 (Jesus preaching in Hades), Ephesians 4 and Isaiah 61 (setting captives free), Mark 9 (Gehenna), Job 19 (resurrection hope), Ecclesiastes 3:19 and Psalm 6:4 (Old Testament uncertainty about afterlife), 2 Timothy 1 (life and immortality brought to light), Philippians 1 and 2 Corinthians 5 (to be with Christ), 1 Thessalonians 4 (resurrection and rapture), Revelation 21:5-6 (all things new), Ephesians 1:10 and 3 (summing up all things in Christ). These references are used to build a comprehensive eschatological framework and to explain the continuity and fulfillment of God’s plan.

Judgment for Believers: Rewards, Not Condemnation (Desiring God) references several passages to support and expand on 1 Corinthians 3:12-15: 2 Corinthians 5:10 (“we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ”), Romans 14:10 (“we will all stand before the judgment seat of God”), John 5:24 (believers “do not come into judgment”), Romans 8:1 and 8:33 (no condemnation for those in Christ), 1 John 3:14 (passing from death to life), 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (not destined for wrath), Luke 19 (parable of the minas, illustrating differing rewards), 1 Corinthians 4:5 (commendation from God based on motives), and Ephesians 6:8 (every good deed will be rewarded). Each reference is used to reinforce the idea that believers’ judgment is about reward, not condemnation, and that God will reward every good deed, even those unseen by others.

Investing in Eternity: Living for God's Purpose (SermonIndex.net) cross-references 1 John 2:15-17 (the world and its desires are passing away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever), Revelation 3:5 (Jesus will not erase names from the Book of Life), Romans 11:36 (all things are from, through, and to God), Acts 17:30 (times of ignorance overlooked), Luke 19 (parable of the minas), Romans 12:1 (present your bodies as a living sacrifice), Philippians 3:7-14 (counting all things loss for Christ), and the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-10, “Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done”). These references are woven together to illustrate the difference between works that are erased and those that endure, and to show how a life lived for God’s will is the “permanent marker” life.

Investing in Eternity: The Value of Our Actions (SermonIndex.net) references Malachi (God’s book of remembrance), Proverbs (the tongue of the just is choice silver), and the priestly breastplate from Exodus/Leviticus (precious stones representing intercessory prayer). The preacher also alludes to the Book of Acts (the early church turning the world upside down) and the famous phrase “only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last,” to reinforce the eternal value of hidden spiritual life.

Integrity, Trust, and Stewardship in Christ (SermonIndex.net) references Luke 19 (Zacchaeus’ repentance and restitution), 1 Corinthians 10:26 (the earth is the Lord’s), Matthew 6:19-21 (do not lay up treasures on earth), 2 Corinthians 12:14 (parents saving for children), Proverbs 6:6-8 (the ant’s wisdom in saving for the future), Romans 13:8 (owe no one anything), 2 Corinthians 8:12 (God accepts what you have, not what you don’t), and 1 Timothy 5:8 (provide for your family). These references are used to build a comprehensive biblical ethic for stewardship, generosity, and the wise use of money, all in the context of building with “gold, silver, and precious stones.”

The Weighty Call of Teaching God's Word (SermonIndex.net) draws on a wide array of biblical passages to reinforce and expand the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. James 3:1 is used to underscore the warning against becoming teachers lightly, emphasizing the reality of stricter judgment. Ezekiel's warnings about the watchman's responsibility (Ezekiel 3 and 33) are invoked to illustrate the concept of being accountable for the spiritual well-being of others. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 is cited to stress the solemn charge to "preach the word" in the presence of God, who will judge. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 is referenced to highlight the necessity of preaching in the power of the Spirit rather than human wisdom. Matthew 28:20 is used to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the teaching commission, while 2 Timothy 2:15 and 1 Timothy 1:7, 4:16, 6:3, and Titus 1:9, 2:1, 2:7-8 are all cited to stress the importance of sound doctrine, orthodoxy, and the dangers of teaching without understanding. The sermon also references Jesus' teaching about servants being beaten with many or few stripes (Luke 12:47-48) to illustrate the principle that greater knowledge brings greater accountability.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Christian References outside the Bible:

Understanding Eternal Rewards: Living for God's Glory (RockPointe Church) explicitly references Martin Luther, quoting him as saying, “There’s only two days on my calendar: today and the day,” to emphasize the importance of living in light of the coming judgment. The sermon also references C.S. Lewis’s concept of the “weight of glory” and Jonathan Edwards’ sermon on heavenly rewards, particularly Edwards’ idea of “capacity” in heaven, where each person’s cup is full but some cups are larger, and no one is jealous of another’s reward. These references are used to illustrate and deepen the biblical teaching on reward and capacity for joy.

Embracing Heavenly Rewards: Our Ultimate Inheritance in God (David Guzik) references Pastor Chuck Smith, recounting Smith’s reflection that he might have no reward in heaven because he received so much blessing on earth, using this to illustrate the distinction between earthly and heavenly reward. Guzik also references the Puritan commentator John Trapp, quoting his description of the torments of the damned to illustrate the severity of final judgment.

Investing in Eternity: The Value of Our Actions (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references Dr. A.W. Tozer, quoting him as saying that when we enter eternity, we will “hardly get our feet down to slime into eternity and gaze on eternity, [and] bow our heads in shame and humiliation and say, ‘my God, look at all the riches there were in Jesus Christ and I’ve come to the judgment seat almost a pauper.’” This quote is used to underscore the seriousness of living with an “eternity consciousness” and the potential regret of wasted opportunities.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Understanding Eternal Rewards: Living for God's Glory (RockPointe Church) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. The preacher shares a family story where he gives his children $50 for vacation spending, promising to double whatever they bring back unspent—drawing a parallel between a “gift” (the initial $50) and a “reward” (the doubling for wise stewardship), to illustrate the difference between salvation and reward. He also uses the analogy of music appreciation, describing how his mother forced him to take a college music appreciation class, which expanded his capacity to enjoy different genres of music. This is used to explain the idea that faithfulness in this life increases one’s “capacity” for joy in heaven, just as learning to appreciate music increases one’s enjoyment. Additionally, the preacher recounts a personal story from high school football, where his coach commended him for his hard work rather than his talent, and how that commendation meant more than any award—paralleling the joy of hearing “well done” from Christ. Finally, he tells the story of William Broadhurst, a disabled runner who finished a 10K long after everyone else, only to be greeted and awarded the gold medal by his hero, Bill Rogers. This story is used as a powerful metaphor for perseverance in the Christian life and the ultimate reward from Christ, regardless of earthly recognition or ability.

Investing in Eternity: Living for God's Purpose (SermonIndex.net) uses the detailed analogy of a dry erase marker and a permanent marker on a whiteboard to illustrate the difference between works that are temporary and those that are eternal. The preacher describes writing “my life 2024” with a dry erase marker, which God will one day erase, and “my life 2025” with a permanent marker, which will remain after the fire. The analogy is extended to everyday activities—work, parenting, chores, sports, and even vacations—showing that any action can be “permanent marker” if done for God. The illustration is made vivid by referencing children writing on walls with permanent markers, and the difficulty of removing those marks, to show the lasting impact of works done in the Spirit.

"Living with Purpose: The Call to Christlikeness" (SermonIndex.net) uses several secular analogies to illustrate the urgency and violence required in sanctification and the testing of works. The preacher references Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, and his callers who draw a line in the sand to fix their finances, comparing this to the decisive action needed in the Christian life. The “boiling frog” metaphor is used to describe how technology and time-wasting devices have subtly ensnared modern Christians, making radical amputation (like giving up smartphones) necessary. The preacher also references the Kendrick Brothers’ movie “Fireproof,” where the protagonist smashes his computer with a baseball bat to overcome addiction, as an example of the kind of radical action Jesus calls for. The analogy of airport security and the x-ray conveyor belt is also used (in Investing in Eternity: Living for God's Purpose) to picture the final judgment, where all of life is put through the “fire” to see what remains.