There are two clear objectives in mortal life. The first is to come to Christ for salvation. The second is to grow and mature in the faith, to be sanctified by God, to glorify him, and to live a life that is pleasing to him.

Salvation

Whose (winnowing) fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his (threshing) floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. ^{Matthew 3:12}

The agricultural symbolism in the verse above is clear. The saved are gathered in Heaven, while the lost spend eternity in Hell. His “threshing floor” represents God’s judgment, with the verdict determined during each person’s earthly life. God’s children—those saved by the blood of Jesus Christ—are distinguished and separated from those who are forever lost and condemned during our brief time here on Earth. To be saved from the wrath of God is the primary reason we are here.

Transcendent, eternal joy and peace await those who successfully arrive at the threshing floor as wheat, not chaff. The word of God is crystal clear on how this is accomplished; it is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Later, in Heaven or Hell, we will reflect on our time here on Earth, when the quality of our eternity was settled, with either gratitude and joy or deep anguish, remorse, and sorrow. This mortal life is God’s sieve to separate those who are his from those who are not.

Sanctification by Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (diverse) temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work (effect), that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing. ^{James 1:2-4}

In this life, God puts us through trials to realize our potential, refine our abilities, build endurance, and strengthen our faith. Our character, whether good or bad, will be shaped, and our station in the next life will be determined. Testing fosters maturity and transforms us into stronger Christians, conforming us to the likeness of Christ. Trials humble us, create dependency on God, and reveal our true character. We who are in Christ can face distress and trouble with a sense of calm, stability, and confidence because we trust that all things are within his control and work for our ultimate good.

A Christian who remains steadfast in faith amidst adversity is a powerful testimony to God’s love, power, and peace. A Christian who maintains unwavering faith when life is easy and prosperous with humility and gratitude is also a compelling testimony to God’s loving generosity.

A man without faith pursues the desires of his heart, believing that peace and happiness come from achieving success based on worldly values such as wealth, vain relationships, status, power, attractiveness, and material possessions. He attributes the troubles in his life to the malevolence of others, bad luck, or foolishness. Without God, a person must navigate life on their own. While he may experience prosperity during his brief time on Earth, he ultimately fails the test that truly matters. However, there is hope, as many turn to Christ during tough times – those who are broken often come to realize their need for a savior.

Life is a grand test, serving as a proving ground to separate the wheat from the chaff. The Elect will come to Christ and obtain eternal life, while the lost will die in their sins. The faithful Christian will be sanctified and transformed to be more like Christ, whereas the unholy person will be consumed by the lusts and depravity of their mind. Our purpose in this life is to come to know Christ, obey God, fear him, glorify him, grow in faith, and share the incomparable gift of salvation available only through faith in Jesus Christ.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. ^{Job 23:10}