A Day of Reward

In the first four parts we have seen that The Christian's hope for the future is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was something that the first Christians expected though the details of when, according to Jesus, are only known by God the Father. Meanwhile, we live in the gap - a period which is not always easy - a time of birth pains.

Christians will be raised and given a new resurrection body, quite different from their former earthly corruptible body. There will be a great reunion between Christ and those who have died and those who are alive at the time of his return.

Death and judgement

An undeniable fact of human experience is that we all are destined to die, something none of us can escape! How and when we do not know. But that we will die is certain. The writer to the Hebrews wrote in his letter that after that we will face God and be judged. This is indeed a solemn thought.

'People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.'

Hebrews 9:27

In the second chapter of Romans verses 1-16, Paul makes it clear that this judgement will consider what we have done and the truth to which we have had access - be it through our consciences or God's written revelation. God's judgement will be righteous - that is fair. God's judgement will also take into account our motives - secret and hidden in our hearts. The outcome: those who have pursued evil will face God's wrath. One the other hand those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour, and immortality, will be given eternal life.

Is this a day to be afraid of? It is certainly not something to be taken lightly. But Christians need to know that those who trust in Jesus as their saviour will not be facing the wrath of God for their sins. Jesus paid the full price on the cross. Followers of Jesus will be judged for the reward of their faithful service.

Paul's example

Paul illustrates this in relation to his own ministry and those who follow on and take things forward. He laid a foundation, but he taught that those who built on it should do so with care. Their work will be tested. If it is wood, hay or straw, it will not survive and there will be no reward. One the other hand, that which is gold, silver, or costly stones, will survive and be rewarded. He makes it clear that this is not a matter of eternal salvation. Those whose work does not survive the test of fire - will be saved - but without the reward they could have had.

'By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their 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 person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.  If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved - even though only as one escaping through the flames.'

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Rewarded for what?

Scripture has more to say about what will be rewarded than the precise nature the rewards themselves. 

Jesus' parables, such as the parable of faithful servants, speak rewards for faithful service. The promise is that such people will be given special responsibility the future Kingdom.

'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. Come and share your master's happiness!" '

Matthew 25:23

There is a special reward for those who suffer for the sake of the gospel. They will reign with Christ.

'If we suffer (also translated endure or persevere), we shall also reign with Him.'

2 Timothy 2:12

Other pictures of reward

Peter speaks of praise, glory and honour:

'These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.' 

1 Peter 1:7

James and Revelation speak of a crown of life:

'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.'  

James 1:12

Perhaps the greatest reward will be to stand before Jesus and to see his smile of approval and hear his words, 'Well done my good and faithful servant.' His commendation for a life well-lived.

Why is this important to know?

The truth is that in this life, the wicked do often prosper whilst the innocent suffer. Over the centuries there have been many for whom following Jesus has been an extremely costly thing. Despite their faith and fervent prayer, they did not see the full answer in their own lifetime. Sometimes good people are vindicated but not always.

Sometimes, the wicked get what they deserve but not always. It does seem that sometimes evil people get away with being wicked. But God is a God of justice and he sees all things. There will be a great setting things right at the end of the age. Satan and all those who deliberately align themselves with wickedness will we removed. The righteous will be compensated on the day of reckoning.

Indeed, the book of Revelation shows very clearly that it is the prayers of the saints, the righteous martyrs that will prevail and release God's final vindication. There will be a time when all evil is abolished, and everything will be under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

'So, we should hold on and hold fast because God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.'

Philippians 2:9-11

Knowing this also means that we do not need to take justice into our own hands. 

'Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.'  

Romans 12:19

He is the perfect in love and perfect in justice and perfect in knowledge. We can leave these things to God who knows all things and all hearts.

Chris Moffett