Ans. In this chapter the gifts are looked at as ministers who are building the House of God. They are laborers together under God. Paul laid the foundation, and every one is to take heed how he builds thereupon- this shows man's responsibility. The foundation is Jesus Christ, but even on this foundation, those who are not real Christians may be built into it. In the day of manifestation, all will be tried with fire; The fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. Wood, hay and stubble will not stand the fire. Gold, silver, precious stones will remain (verse 12).
We have three samples of builders.
In verse 15 the builder does not build according to Architect's plan, and is so rewarded.
In verse 15 the builder does not build according the plan of the Great Architect, and though himself a saved man, he suffers loss, for the Lord cannot reward any of us for disobedience to His Word.
In verse 17 we find an unconverted servant who, along with his work, is destroyed. We see in all this how men are responsible for their work in the professing church of God. Thus we see that verses 16, 17 speak of the church in responsibility.
Ans. In Chapter 17:1-9, we have the coming of the Son of Man illustrated in the transfiguration scene. Moses pictured the dead saints raised. Elias pictures the living saints caught up. Peter, James and John picture the earthly saints in the reign of Christ. 2 Peter 1:1616For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16) says, "We made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ... were eye-witness of His majesty." This is what Chapter 16:28 refers to.
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