There's a day of reckoning coming when God is going to evaluate our lives--all of us as Christians.
"So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12).
This time of judgment will also be a time of compensation. We may get rewards in heaven for the things we do on earth.
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the first will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:11-14).
Don't misunderstand the doctrine of rewards. Our eternal salvation is not at stake. Salvation is not earned by works. Salvation is granted freely by God's grace and received by faith alone. But where faith gives us entrance into heaven, works are the basis for our reward, which we receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
This series on rewards in heaven answers three questions:
- What is the purpose of rewards?
- What is the basis for rewards?
- Why should we care about rewards?
Some of our rewards may come in the form of crowns (which may be literal or symbolic):
- The crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)
- The crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20; Philippians 4:10)
- The crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)
- The crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4)
We also may receive positions of authority, an eternal inheritance, treasure in heaven, commendation from Jesus, and a royal welcome.
There are rewards for suffering, the wise use of your money, rewards for service and performance at work. You can earn a reward for prayer and fasting, and there is a reward for Christians who reach out to their enemies with genuine love and kindness.
But beware! Did you know the Bible talks about the possibility of losing our rewards in heaven? Be sure to study the doctrine of rewards in heaven and learn how to keep those rewards.