Faith in Jesus Christ saves the believer, but his position in the future life together with the measure of his reward will depend upon his faithfulness in the use of the gifts with which he has been endowed by God. Thus it comes to pass that a man may be saved "yet so as by fire," i.e., saved because of his faith in Christ, but minus his reward. See 1 Cor. 3:10-15--"In discharge of the task which God graciously entrusted to me, I--like a competent master-builder--have laid a foundation, and others are building upon it. But let every one be careful how and what he builds. For no one can lay any other foundation in addition to that which is already laid, namely, Jesus Christ. And whether the building which anyone is erecting on that foundation be of gold or silver or costly stones, of timber or hay or straw--the true character of each individual's work will become manifest. For the day of Christ will disclose it, because that day is soon to come upon us clothed in fire, and as for the quality of every one's work--the fire is the thing which will test it. If any one's work--the building which he has erected--stands the test, he will be rewarded. If any one's work is burned up, he will suffer the loss of it; yet he will himself be rescued, but only, as it were, by passing through the fire." (Translation from _Weymouth's New Testament._) While this passage has its primary reference, probably, to Christian teachers and preachers, and touches the matter of doctrines that are taught, it nevertheless has a fitting and true application to the life and work of every believer. V. THE NATURE OF THE BELIEVER'S REWARD. 1. HE SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN. The Scriptures speak of a number of crowns: The Crown of _Life_ (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10, compare context which speaks of death); of _Glory_ (1 Pet. 5:4; cf. John 17:22; Heb. 2:9); of _Righteousness_ (2 Tim. 4:8), the full realization of the imputed and inwrought righteousness of Christ; of _Rejoicing_ (1 Thess. 2:19), at the sight of converts that have been won by one's ministry for Christ; of _Gold_ (Rev. 4:4); _Incorruptible_ (1 Cor. 9:25), as compared with the perishable crowns of the Greek games; _Thy_ crown (Rev. 3:11), that which is laid up for you, and which should not be lost by unfaithfulness; the summing up of all the previous expressions--all are characteristic of "thy" crown. 2. THE SEVEN "OVERCOMES" IN REVELATION (cc. 2, 3.). a) 2:7--"Eat of the Tree of Life, Which is in the Midst of the Paradise of God." The tree of life, which has been practically unmentioned since Genesis 3, where it was lost through sin, is here restored in accordance with the restitution of all things in Christ. This figure expresses participation in life eternal--the believer shall die no more. b) 2:11--"Shall Not be Hurt of the Second Death."