“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man’s work [yes, according to our deeds], conduct yourselves in fear [this is the correct fear of God] during the time of your stay on earth.” (1 Pet 1:14-16)

So for all you dear saints who insist on a pre-tribulation rapture and who teach that the saints don’t need to fear God – they’ll only be judged according to their faith in Jesus Christ – it’s only the wicked who need to fear God, for they will be judged according to their evil deeds and sent to hell – try this one on for size.

“Now if any man builds upon the foundation [Jesus Christ] with gold, silver, precious jewels, wood, hay, or straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day [of Christ] will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built upon it [the foundation] remains, he shall receive a reward [according to his deeds]. But if any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. [Note that this is all talking about Believers!] Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him [ie, destroy his flesh nature in hell] for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” (1 Cor 3:12-17)

Of course this whole passage can only be understood if we have a correct view of the nature of hell and its purpose: God’s punishment for evil deeds. But that is another story. See the chapter in Volume One of my book on the nature of life & death, heaven & hell, destruction, judgment, righteousness & sin, salvation, and time & eternity.

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