Painting by William Adolphe Bouguereau
d
Rewards In Heaven
d
READ 1 Corinthians 3:1-23
d
SITUATION Paul wrote to a church that was young and immature. He corrected some misunderstandings in the Corinthian church and outlined how the people should act, live, and relate.
d
OBSERVATION This chapter contains the most information on the subject of rewards.
d
INSPIRATION Let's talk for a moment about reward. Salvation is the result of grace. Without exception, no man or woman has ever done one work of the Cross. Our service does not earn our salvation. Our service does, however impact our rewards. As one writer stated, "We are accepted into heaven on the basis of faith alone, but we are adorned in heaven on the basis of the fruits of our faith."
d
If this strikes you as strange, you aren't alone. Scripture offers just enough teaching to convince us of rewards, but not enough to answer our questions about them in what form do they come? Who are they dispensed? We aren't told. We are simply assured they exist in addition to the crowns of life, righteousness, and glory. Scripture indicates that there are other rewards.
d
Some of the clearest writing on the topic is found in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. In these verses, Paul envisions two lives. Both are built on the foundation of Christ; that is to say, both are saved. One, however, adds to that foundation with valuable works of gold, silver, and jewels. the other is content to take the cheap route and makes not substantive contribution to the kingdom. His works is comprised of flammable wood, grass, and straw.
d
One the day of judgment, the nature of each work will be revealed, Paul writes: "This Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was. If the building that has been put on the foundation still stands, the builder will get a reward. But if the building is burned up, the builder will suffer loss. The builder will be saved, but it will be as one who escaped from a fire" (1 Corinthian 3:13-15).
d
Please note: Both builders will be saved, but only one will be rewarded. And that reward will be on the basis of works. Exactly what forms the rewards will take, we do not know. I was once counseled to maintain a "reverent agnosticism" on the question. Translated: be peacefully ignorant.
dd
My feeling is that the rewards will come in the form of added responsibility, not added privilege. Such is the indication from Matthew 25:21. "You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my joy with me." The worker appears to be given more duty rather than more relaxation. But again, we don't know for sure.
d
What we do know is this: We are saved by grace and we are rewarded according to deeds. Anything beyond that is speculation. In fact, any speculation beyond that is dangerous lest we grow competitive. (From When Christ Comes by Max Lucad0)
d
APPLICATION If the nature of your works is going to be revealed, how should that affect your daily behavior? Ask God to help you live a life that is pleasing to him. Then thank him that you are saved by grace alone.
d
EXPLORATION Rewards in Heaven -- Matthew 5:12; 16:27; 2 Timothy 4:8
dd
"The Devotional Bible: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus"; Max Lucado General Editor, New Century Version , Thomas Nelson Publishers
No comments:
Post a Comment