What Does It Mean? – Eternal Rewards

 

God will give rewards in heaven at the bema, or judgment seat of Christ, based on our faithfulness in service to Him... “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” ^{(2 Corinthians 5:10)}. The reward Christ receives is shared with all of us: “If we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” ^{(Romans 8:17)}

Our rewards in heaven depend on the goodness and power of God. Through Christ’s resurrection we gain an inheritance in heaven; on earth our faith is tested and results in praise and glory and honor when Christ is revealed... “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead....” ^{(1 Peter 1:3–9)}  The things we do in this life are only permanent (that is, carried with us into heaven) if they are built on the foundation, which is Christ... “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” ^{(1 Corinthians 3:11–15)}

The rewards we gain in heaven are not like the rewards we earn here on earth. We tend to think in material terms; mansions, jewels, money, etc. But we aren’t to do things in the name of the Lord for the sole purpose of gaining rewards. We must learn to be selfless in this regard. We represent Christ out of gratitude solely because of what He has done for us. Any rewards or honor we gain in heaven should be precious to us because they carry the weight and meaning of our relationship with God, and because they remind us of what He did through us on earth.

In this way, rewards in heaven glorify God and provide us with joy, and peace, as we consider God’s work in and through us. The closer we were to God during this life, the more centered on Him and aware of Him, the more dependent on Him, the more desperate for His mercy, the more there will be to celebrate. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly story, and those rewards will be eternally satisfying... “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” ^{(Psalm 16:11)} Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org