[PetroniusMaximus]

" Yes. And does that say that sin has no consequences left for Christians?"

No, look...

Romans 6:12
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

There's no reason to warn against something that's not a possibility. But it is a possibility - hence the admonition.



"Question: Who are the people who "suffer loss," yet "will be saved, yet so as through fire"? Why is there "fire" left, in view of the Cross?"

The fire - you will notice - burns up the Christian's unworthy works (wood, hay, stubble) but not the Christian.

There will be a rough judgment for multitudes of Christians - Christians who have not lived is such a manner as to bring glory to God.

When they appear before the Judgment seat of Christ they will be ashamed of themselves (see 1 John 2:28). The will be ashamed that they lived in an unworthy or unfaithful manner (see 2 Tim 2:13).

They will be ashamed that, appearing before the Lord who suffered such great agony for them, they find they have nothing to lay at his feet (see Rev 4:10). They will find most all of their lives have been burnt up under the fiery gaze of God, yet, as Paul teaches, they themselves will be saved.




"Question: What in us does the "consuming fire" of God consume as we draw near to him?"

Peter said:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."