That God Hath His Time When He Will Discover the Errors of Men's Doctrines
A. Burgess. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if any man build on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;… First, in that the Scripture calls the time of manifestation a "day," wherein is light and the sunbeams; it doth excellently imply that all the while there are corruptions in doctrine and worship that time is a time of darkness. Let them never so much rejoice in them, and count them happy times, yet the Scripture calls them dark times. Secondly, there are no foolish builders that thus deform God's temple but they are by God's permission; in His wrath and anger, because men have abused His truth and waxed wanton under it, therefore hath He sent the spirit of delusion and errors amongst men (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Thirdly, as the corrupt errors of men came from God's anger, so in mercy He hath appointed times wherein He will purge and take away their dross. Fourthly, this day of God's revealing may be a long while as to our expectation. You may see only chaff and no wheat; and this may be a long while, so that the ungodly do even languish under their expectations. These things thus explained, let us consider the reasons why God will have a day to declare men's works in matter of false doctrines. And first, because the truth of God is dear and precious to him. Christ Himself makes it one main reason why He came into the world to bear witness to God's truth. Secondly, it is necessary there should be a time, because of the people who belong to God's grace, that they may see their errors and bewail them; that they may redeem the time by pulling down their hay and stubble and building gold and silver. Lastly, in respect of men hardened in their errors, that their obstinacy may appear the more; that when they will not see, though the day appear, who then can justify them? To embrace those days of light and revelation which God brings into the world. (A. Burgess.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; WEB: But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble;