The works which result from our living union with Christ through the Holy Spirit will be rewarded. These will be easy to recognize because they will bear His likeness. These are the works God always purposed to result from our relationship to Him. They are of three kinds: gold, silver, and precious stones.
Gold: that which has been tried and approved through waiting in faith. We are said to “buy” gold when we come to know God through experience in trials of faith and patience. Gold speaks of the character we develop through meeting God in the furnace of affliction (Revelation 3:18a; Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7; James 1:2-4; Proverbs 17:3).
Silver: the purification of motive and character that results from God’s refining. As the promise God has given us is put to test, our character is developed in trust, dependence upon God, and purity of motive. The dross of selfishness is removed (Malachi 3:3; Zechariah 13:9; Psalm 66:10).
Precious stones: the values that are established within us through choices made under pressure. Our character is formed as we encounter afflictions in which the grace of God comes to us to respond to them on the basis of His priorities. Precious stones are those things we hold most dear. Our heart is where our treasure is (Jeremiah 15:19; Revelation 21:19-21; Isaiah 54:11-14; Malachi 3:16-18).
In contrast, the works to be burned are those that did not become “fireproof” during this life. They are the products of self-effort instead of dependency on His indwelling Spirit of life. Because they are not the fruit of our union with Christ, they are devoid of His life and are considered “dead works”. These are of three kinds: wood, hay, and stubble.
Wood: the works of our own hands, or the result of our natural talent unaided by the Holy Spirit. Those who are talented are often tempted to idolize their own creativity, ingenuity, and skill. These things are good but they are not of lasting value. They can become occasions for idolatry (Deuteronomy 4:28; Daniel 5:4, 23; 2 kings 19:18; Romans 1:25, etc.).
Hay (or grass): things we do to impress others by means of appearance, personality, or status. We can make people think we are more than we are, but God sees the heart. Popularity is short-lived. Reality soon catches up with us, and our outward appeal soon withers (1 Peter 1:24; Psalm 103:15, 16; Isaiah 40:6-8; James 1:10, 11).
Stubble: the non-essentials in our lives that should be pruned away to make for greater fruitfulness. In the natural, stubble is the short-standing straw left behind after reaping. At harvest time it is burned (Job. 21:18; Isaiah 5:21-24; 33:11-12; obadiah 17:18; Malachi 4:1; John 15:1-6).