Rewards in Heaven

December 22, 2023

Rewards in Heaven

The Lord Jesus introduced a topic in the Sermon on the Mount that many people misunderstand- the topic of rewards:

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:11-12)

Many have assumed that we earn our way to heaven by our good works- that heaven is a sort of reward for our righteous life. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Ro 3:23)

On the other hand, once we trust Christ as Savior and become a child of God it is expected that we would do good works as a result.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)

And Jesus talked about rewards frequently, as did other Old and New Testament writers. One vivid example is from Daniel:

“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Dan 12:2-3)

These passages are referring to eternal rewards. In the Sermon on the Mount alone, Jesus refers to eternal rewards ten times. It is a perspective we must not miss. Many things will be rewarded, but faithful service is high on the list.

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Mt 10:40-42)

As we can see here, whenever we welcome someone representing Christ, there is a reward that goes with it. But even the simple step of offering a cup of cold water to a child is not overlooked by our Heavenly Father. So, any act of service, when done in the name of Christ, is pleasing to God and receives a reward from Him. That should motivate us to give generously and sacrificially and to serve our fellow man vigorously. Like they say, "You can't outgive God."

But what are these rewards? And when are they given?

As Paul approached the end of his life, he mentions "the crown of righteousness" in 2 Tim 4:6-8:

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul was expecting a "crown of righteousness" for fighting the good fight and keeping the faith. Other crowns and wreaths are mentioned:

The "crown of life" is promised for those who persevere under trials (James 1:12, Rev 2:10).
The "crown of glory" is for those who shepherd God's people well (1 Peter 5:4).
An "imperishable wreath" is given to those who "run to win" (1 Cor 9:24-25).
A "prize" given to those "who compete according to the rules" (2 Tim 2:5).

In addition to these crowns and wreaths a variety of rewards are mentioned by the Lord Jesus as He addresses the seven churches in Revelation:

To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’ (Re 2:7)
He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’ (Re 2:11)
To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’ (Re 2:17)
‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. (Re 2:26-28)
‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Re 3:5)
‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. (Re 3:12)
‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Re 3:21)

Obviously, these crowns are given after death for those deserving. They are given "on that day". I believe they will be distributed at the Judgement Seat of Christ, mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Some believers will receive greater rewards than others, but everyone will be grateful to spend eternity with God (1 Cor 3:15). And remember, everyone will ultimately cast their crowns at the feet of the Almighty (Revelation 4:10). They will recognize that all glory and honor and praise belongs to Him. Any crown they earned was a result of His grace and power in their lives.

What does this mean for us?

This is a vivid reminder that Jesus is a just judge.
We can be encouraged to serve Him with vigor and endurance, especially in the face of suffering and persecution.
We have a wonderful future ahead with our Lord in heaven and many wonders await us.
As He rewards us, we know that all the glory and praise and honor belong to Him.

‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. ^{^[1]} (Rev 3:11)