WHAT WILL BE YOUR REWARDS IN HEAVEN?

WHAT WILL BE YOUR REWARDS IN HEAVEN?

 In addition to the bountiful blessing of eternal life in the presence of Almighty God, committed Christian disciples will also receive certain tangible rewards.  In the words of Jesus Christ, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

 Subsequent to the Rapture of the Church, THE KINGDOM WORKS OF ALL BELIEVERS will be judged and rewarded by Christ at THE BEMA, which is the judgment seat of Christ. (I Thessalonians 4:15-18)

 II Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

 This is separate and distinct from the GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT, which will occur at the close of the 1000-year Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 20:12)

 At THE BEMA JUDGMENT, (prior to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which will take place during the 7-Year Tribulation Period), BELIEVERS’ WORKS WILL BE JUDGED (not our salvation), for we who will be caught up in the Rapture of the Church will already have been fully cleansed and forgiven via the vicarious suffering and atoning grace of Christ on Calvary. (Titus 3:4-7 and Revelation 19:9)

 Nevertheless, our Kingdom works will be divinely evaluated and rewarded.

 I Corinthians 3:11-14

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 fire 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.  

 FIVE SPECIFIC CROWNS WILL BE AWARDED AT THE BEMA:

 AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (The Victor’s Crown)

 I Corinthians 9:25

And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have purged themselves from the pleasures of the world to be more effective servants in the Kingdom of God]. --I Corinthians 9:27

 A CROWN OF LIFE (The Martyr’s Crown)

 Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which you will suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who endured extreme suffering and death for the cause of Christ].

 A CROWN OF GLORY (The Shepherd’s Crown)

 I Peter 5:2-4

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have dedicated their lives to teaching the Word of God and nurturing the people of God].

 A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (The Crown For Those Who Love His Appearing)

 II Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have lived a righteous life in faithful and joyful anticipation of Christ’s return].

 A CROWN OF REJOICING (The Soul Winner’s Crown)

 I Thessalonians 2:19-20

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?  Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have brought souls into the Kingdom of God].

 WHAT WILL BE YOUR PERSONAL REWARD(S) IN HEAVEN?  My friend, think prayerfully and carefully about it.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!