Works equals trials, and trials equals works; otherwise “faith” is groundless (without a basis for witness, or testimony). Even so “faith,” if it is not “tried (worked out) by fire,” is dead (on arrival); like a fish out of water (sucking air). Get the picture?
[Jas 2:17; 1 Pet 1:7]
How else can the Lord “present us faultless before the presence of His glory” except He purify us first? And how can He purify us before He purges (or cleanses) out the dross (impurity); and how can He purge out our dross without applying the “fiery” pressure of trials to our “tin” (alloy)?
[Jude 23; Mal 3: 3; Isa 1:25]
Fiery trials purify, but they also perfect; and make us “partakers (partners) of Christ's sufferings;” which is why Christ gave His life for us, that He might qualify Himself to cleanse (purify) us with the washing of water, by His word; that He might present us to Himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle... without blemish.
After all, we are not our own, we belong to Jesus; He purchased us, we're all His.
[1 Pet 4:12-13; Eph 5: 25-27; 1 Cor 7:23 cf 1 Pet 1: 18-19]
ThenSingsMySoul:
LORD, PREPARE ME
TO BE A SANCTUARY
PURE AND HOLY
TRIED AND TRUE;
WITH THANKSGIVING
I'LL BE A LIVING
SANCTUARY FOR YOU.
