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!
No comments:
Post a Comment