"There is a vast difference in the
doctrine of salvation for the lost, and
the doctrine of rewards for the saved. Salvation is "the gift of God; not as
a result of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is received by faith in the
finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:36). Rewards are according to
the works of the believer (Matthew 16:27).
the doctrine of rewards for the saved. Salvation is "the gift of God; not as
a result of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is received by faith in the
finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:36). Rewards are according to
the works of the believer (Matthew 16:27).
A most revealing Scripture on rewards is found in 1 Corinthians 3:8-15.
First, every believer will be rewarded "according to his own labor" (verse
8). We do not labor for salvation.
Second, "We are God's fellow workers" (verse 9) - not for salvation but for
rewards.
Third, the believer is not to build "a foundation other than the one which
is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (verse 11).
Fourth, the believer has a choice of two kinds of building materials: "gold,
silver, precious stones" - this is building with eternal materials; or
"wood, hay, straw" - this is building with temporal materials (verse 12) (2
Corinthians 4:18).
The believer who builds on Christ with eternal materials, "gold, silver,
precious stones" shall receive a reward. Those who build on Christ with
temporal materials, "wood, hay, straw" will receive no reward. The works of
"wood, hay, straw" will be destroyed at the "judgment seat of Christ" and
the believer will suffer loss - not the loss of salvation, but the loss of
eternal reward.
Some believers will be ashamed at the "judgment seat of Christ" (1 John
2:28) - ashamed of their works of "wood, hay, straw."
Rewards are called "crowns" or "wreaths" in the New Testament."
Pray,
Father God, I pray that I will live for You. I ask the help of Your Holy
Spirit to do all things "as unto the Lord Jesus" because I want to bring You
honor and glory and praise. Please help me live this life so that when I
meet my Lord Jesus I will have done works of "gold, silver, precious stones"
to give to Him with praise and thanksgiving for all He has done for me. I
ask these things in the holy Name of Jesus, and thank You Father God. Amen.
(From : Bible Foundation Course Lesson 07-01)
