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Bill Fiess
Among the last recorded words of our Lord Jesus Christ is this startling statement: "Behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." Clearly, Jesus plans to reward believers and these rewards will be according to their works.
Rewards and Grace
Salvation, of course, is not earned. Our salvation is by grace through faith. In fact, grace and works are mutually exclusive. God gives us His salvation, but pays us for our works. Thus we must utilize very diligently the provisions He has given us. God graciously supplies the means by which we may serve Him, but the decision to serve, and the diligence employed in doing so, are our contribution.
Rewards and Selfishness The doctrine of rewards is not only taught in Scripture, but we are actually commanded to pursue them. For example, Jesus said: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth·but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Thus, the pursuit of heavenly treasure is not an optional matter. It is very clear that every disciple should lay up celestial wealth. Pursuing eternal rewards is not a selfish endeavor but rather God's appointed way of pursuing our self-interest.
When will Rewards be Given?
The doctrine of rewards is mentioned frequently in Scripture and is presented as a primary motivation for godly living. But when will these rewards be administered? The answer is evident from Scripture: at the Judgment-Seat of Christ. "For we must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." This, of course, occurs after the rapture of the Assembly when all believers will be gathered together with the Lord. At this point the believer's life-work will be evaluated and his position for all eternity will be determined.
What is the Nature of these Rewards?
These rewards are often described in figurative language and sometimes in more straightforward terms, but they all indicate authority in the world to come. They are given on the basis of endurance, faithfulness, and other spiritual qualities that are developed in this life. It is also clear in Scripture that not all believers will be rewarded equally, and some not even at all! My eternal reward is dependent upon whether my works have been accomplished in the power of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the commandments of Christ. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates of the city. Believer, will you receive eternal rewards? Can you say, "Even so come, Lord Jesus"? |
