The Law of Rewards Part 7 Gained or lost rewards?

The 6th Law: We will have differing levels of reward in heaven, depending our actions and choices here on earth.

The Bible is clear that there’s a payday in eternity according to what was done during our time on earth, and there will be commensurate differences in our rewards.

“Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” Pr 24:12c

“Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:27-30

“Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid…

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14

I. The Reward of: 1. Affirmation - from the Lord: “If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Cor 3:15b

“Well done, good and faithful servant...” Matt 25:23

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” 1 Cor 4:5

2. Treasure – that you sent on ahead “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Mt 6:19

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Mt 6:20

3. Authority – to rule with Christ A. During the thousand years.

“Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Rev 20:6

B. Over the angels “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” 1 Cor 1:3

C. Some will be put in charge of “many things” “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Mt 25:21

 There is no hint that, once given or withheld, rewards are anything other than eternal and irrevocable.

II. Salvation 1. Past “But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 1:9

2. Free “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9

3. Can’t be lost “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.” John 10:28-29

4. Same for all Christians “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference…” Rom 3:22

5. For those who believe “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

III. Rewards 1. Future “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Rev 22:12

2. Earned “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” 1 Cor 3:8

3. Can be lost “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” 2 John 1:8

4. Differ among Christians “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…

It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss…” 1 Cor 3:12-15

5. For those who work “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15

“Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?” James 2:20 (Message)

God will reward us for: 1.Doing good works. Eph 6:8 2. Denying ourselves. Matt 16:24-27

3. Showing compassion to the needy. Luke 14: Treating our enemies kindly. Luke 6:35 5. Sacrificial and generous giving. Mt 19:21

By my actions this week, have I gained or lost eternal rewards?