A refiner is someone who purifies and improves precious metal by removing impurities or unwanted elements. In a physical sense, a refiner works with metals, such as gold or silver, using intense heat to burn away impurities and leave behind a pure, valuable material. Spiritually, God is often seen as a refiner, allowing trials and challenges to shape and purify a person’s faith, making them stronger and more Christlike. Just as fire refines gold, hardships refine character, bringing out the best in those who trust the process.
Someone that is lukewarm has not been hot enough to be refined by the refiners fire.
Malachi 3:2-3
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, and they will present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.
