Friday, March 25, 2011

Rewards in Heaven

A few weeks ago in our Bible study group we had a brief discussion that there would be different levels of rewards in heaven, but I didn't know where to prove it in the Bible. I came across this link today (btw, completely unrelated to what I was actually looking for...hmmm talk about being led by the Holy Spirit) and thought I would share it. Obviously I still need to do more in depth study on this topic to satisfy my curiosity on it, maybe someday in my spare time I will get to do that :D

For now, I have often listened to John MacArthur so I have pretty high confidence in what he is saying here and it sort of answers the question...

http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/70-13-5.htm



Here are some of the verses that support this idea as well. I have not spent the time to see if these are in the correct context, but they do seem to support that there will be rewards in heaven based on what we do now as Christians.


“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.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

 "… and each one will receive His own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:8)



“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)




“… I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:23)


Regardless, of any of this though, I believe that even if we are not a very good Christian, we will still be rewarded beyond our wildest imaginations. I don't think we can even begin to imagine what it will be like to just be in His presence. Just like the song I Can Only Imagine !



I also believe that if we are truly seeking to be closer to Him then the good deeds/works and faithfulness come naturally and for that we will be rewarded. If we are seeking to do good things just because we want bigger rewards in heaven then we are actually sinning because of selfishness and greed.

1 comment:

Sallie said...

The bible also teaches about various kinds of crowns that we will receive/earn (and thus some will have more crowns than others to lay at the feet of Jesus).