Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints as an enduring substance is deeply rooted in biblical theology, emphasizing the eternal and imperishable nature of the blessings promised to the faithful. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the contrast between temporal, earthly possessions and the everlasting treasures reserved for those who follow Christ.Biblical Foundation The idea of an enduring substance is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the context of faith and perseverance. Hebrews 10:34 states, "You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves have a better and permanent possession." This verse underscores the assurance that believers have in a reward that transcends earthly loss, pointing to a heavenly inheritance that cannot be taken away. Heavenly Inheritance The enduring substance promised to the saints is often described as an inheritance. In 1 Peter 1:4 , the apostle Peter speaks of "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is characterized by its eternal nature, free from the decay and corruption that affect worldly possessions. It is a treasure stored in heaven, safeguarded by God Himself. Eternal Life Central to the reward of the saints is the gift of eternal life. Jesus, in His teachings, frequently pointed to eternal life as the ultimate reward for those who believe in Him. In John 10:28 , He declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." This promise of eternal security and life with God is a cornerstone of the enduring substance that awaits the faithful. Crown of Righteousness The apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to the rewards awaiting believers as crowns. In 2 Timothy 4:8 , he writes, "From now on 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 to all who crave His appearing." The crown of righteousness symbolizes the reward for living a life of faith and longing for Christ's return. Heavenly Treasures Jesus taught His followers to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly ones. In Matthew 6:19-20 , He instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This teaching emphasizes the enduring nature of heavenly rewards, contrasting them with the fleeting nature of material wealth. The Role of Faith and Works While salvation is by grace through faith, the New Testament also highlights the role of works as evidence of genuine faith. James 2:26 states, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." The enduring substance of the saints' reward is often linked to their faithful service and obedience to God's commands, as seen in passages like Revelation 22:12 : "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." Conclusion The reward of saints as an enduring substance is a profound biblical truth that offers hope and encouragement to believers. It calls them to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the imperishable inheritance that awaits them in the presence of God. This enduring substance is a testament to God's faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 10:34For you had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Illusiveness of Life. Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch The Importance of Leading a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. Letter Xlvi (Circa AD 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the ... On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... Brought up from the Horrible Pit Paul's Departure and Crown; An Advance in the Exhortation. Resources What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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