Definition and Overview:
Recompense on Earth refers to the concept of receiving reward or punishment for one's actions during one's lifetime, as opposed to in the afterlife. This principle is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where both blessings and curses are often depicted as being meted out in the earthly realm based on one's adherence to God's commandments.

Biblical Foundations:

1. Old Testament Teachings:
· The concept of recompense is prevalent in the Old Testament, where God's justice is often portrayed as immediate and tangible. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are explicitly outlined. Verses 1-2 state, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God."
· Conversely, Deuteronomy 28:15 warns, "But if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you."

2. Wisdom Literature:
· The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of recompense, emphasizing that righteous living leads to prosperity, while wickedness results in ruin. Proverbs 11:31 states, "If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!"
· Similarly, Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 acknowledges the apparent delay in justice but ultimately affirms that it is well with those who fear God: "Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly."

3. Prophetic Literature:
· The prophets often spoke of recompense as a means of divine justice. Isaiah 3:10-11 declares, "Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done."

New Testament Insights:

1. Teachings of Jesus:
· Jesus' teachings in the New Testament also reflect the principle of recompense on earth, though with a greater emphasis on spiritual and eternal rewards. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of the blessedness of those who suffer for righteousness' sake, promising them the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10-12).
· However, Jesus also acknowledges earthly recompense, as seen in Matthew 6:1-4, where He warns against performing righteous acts for human praise, stating that those who do so "have received their reward in full."

2. Apostolic Teachings:
· The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of recompense in Galatians 6:7-8, emphasizing the principle of sowing and reaping: "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
· Similarly, in Romans 2:6-10, Paul speaks of God "who will repay each one according to his deeds," highlighting both the earthly and eternal dimensions of recompense.

Theological Implications:
Recompense on Earth underscores the biblical principle of divine justice, where God actively engages with His creation, rewarding obedience and punishing disobedience. This concept serves as a moral and ethical guide for believers, encouraging them to live righteously and trust in God's sovereign justice. While the ultimate recompense is eternal, the Bible affirms that God's justice is also evident in the temporal realm, providing both comfort and warning to His people.