What is their reward?

Definition of “Reward” in Scripture

In Scripture, the term “reward” commonly indicates the outcome or recompense that individuals receive for their actions—whether good or evil. This concept appears throughout the biblical record, encompassing both physical blessings in the present and eternal blessings in the future. As expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” This verse underscores that a reward is not merely a material or temporal gain, but can also refer to the ultimate accountability and blessing that come from God.

Reward in the Old Testament

The Hebrew Scriptures frequently speak of reward in terms of blessings and consequences. For instance, Psalm 62:12 reveals that the Lord repays each person according to what he has done. This underscores an essential principle: God, in His justice, sees both righteous and unrighteous behavior and deals with each accordingly.

In numerous passages, obedience brings material and spiritual favor. Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience—such as prosperity in crops, livestock, and community life—demonstrating a tangible reward for fidelity to God’s commands. Likewise, Proverbs 11:18 declares, “The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.” These examples highlight a twofold idea: immediate blessings in earthly life, and the deeper idea of spiritual recompense that points to a future recognition of righteousness by the Lord.

Reward in the New Testament

In the Gospels, Jesus frequently teaches about the concept of reward, emphasizing the eternal nature of our ultimate recompense. In Matthew 16:27, He proclaims, “For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.” This advances the Old Testament principle of divine recompense, extending it into eternal realities.

Jesus also warns against seeking earthly praise or fleeting accolades. In Matthew 6:1–6, He exhorts believers to do acts of righteousness—such as giving to the needy or praying—in secret, so that the Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward them openly. These promises point to the importance of the heart’s posture over the external act.

The Apostolic letters further develop this theme. Paul encourages believers to view their work and service as ultimately directed toward the Lord. Colossians 3:24 states, “...knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This makes clear that the reward goes beyond material enjoyment; it involves an imperishable inheritance that finds its source in eternal relationship with God.

Temporal Rewards vs. Eternal Rewards

Scripture does not deny that God sometimes grants temporal benefits. Believers who walk in wisdom and integrity often find favor in human relationships, health, or material resources. Yet the biblical focus remains on eternal rewards secured by faith in Christ. First Peter 1:4 speaks of “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.” Such language sets apart an eternal reward that will not be diminished by earthly decay or temporal changes.

In earthly life, a sense of joy, peace, and purpose can already be realized through knowing God. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the “fruit of the Spirit” as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These spiritual fruits can be viewed as immediate “rewards” in the life of a believer, yet they also serve as foretastes of the ultimate bliss found in God’s presence.

Evidence for the Reliability of Scripture and its Teachings on Rewards

Archaeological findings confirm the historical reliability of people and events cited within Scripture. Discoveries such as the Tel Dan Stele, confirming the House of David, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, demonstrating a robust manuscript tradition, strengthen confidence that the text accurately represents what was originally written. As these tested manuscripts demonstrate consistency in content, we have a reliable record of what each author said about divine reward.

Ancient historical texts from outside the Bible—such as Josephus and Tacitus—corroborate key New Testament events, such as the crucifixion of Christ. These external attestions bolster the trustworthiness of biblical claims about the eternal significance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Believers find their ultimate reward in Him, exactly as the Scriptures assure.

The Ultimate Reward: Eternal Life with God

The pinnacle of all biblical teaching on reward is found in Christ’s promise of eternal life to those who trust in Him. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This gift is immeasurable: the permanent removal of sin’s penalty and the granting of unending fellowship with God. No earthly treasure or human honor can compare to the glory of being with the Creator and Redeemer forever.

Revelation 22:12 also underscores the direct connection between Jesus’ return and the final bestowal of reward: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.” Here, Scripture clarifies that the final unveiling of reward is in the personal return of Christ, enhancing the believer’s hope and perseverance in present trials.

Living in Anticipation of the Reward

Because Scripture consistently declares that our final reward will be from God, Christians are counseled to live by faith. Hebrews 11:6 teaches, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Though believers do not always see immediate outcomes for faithful obedience, they trust in the One who guarantees ultimate justice and blessing.

This trust shapes behavior in everyday life. Acts of compassion, worship, service, and sacrifice all become ways to honor God with a future-oriented perspective. When the righteous suffer persecution or unanswered questions, they find solace in the knowledge that a just and all-knowing God will ultimately reward His servants.

Conclusion: Their Reward in Biblical Context

The question “What is their reward?” points to a core Scriptural teaching: God is the ultimate giver of just recompense, both now in partial form and ultimately in eternity. The Old Testament establishes a pattern where God blesses obedience yet also reserves ultimate retribution for the future. The New Testament enhances this framework by focusing on eternal life in Christ as the ultimate reward of faith.

Temporal blessings may come, but the chief inheritance is unending fellowship with God. Archaeological and manuscript evidence supports the reliability of these biblical teachings on reward, fortifying the believer’s confidence. In this hope, those who follow God look ahead to the final day of accounting, when Christ shall appear and bestow blessings immeasurably beyond any earthly reward.