Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the eternal blessings and inheritance promised to those who remain faithful to God. This reward is not only a future hope but also a present motivation for believers to persevere in their faith and conduct. The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations and warnings to ensure that believers do not lose this promised reward.Biblical Foundation The New Testament frequently addresses the reward awaiting the faithful. In 2 John 1:8, the apostle John warns, "Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded" . This verse underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's faith and adherence to the truth, suggesting that the reward can be jeopardized by neglect or deviation from the gospel. Similarly, in Revelation 3:11, Jesus admonishes the church in Philadelphia, "I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown" . The "crown" here symbolizes the reward of eternal life and victory, which can be lost if believers do not remain steadfast. The Nature of the Reward The reward of the saints is multifaceted, encompassing eternal life, fellowship with God, and the inheritance of the kingdom. In Matthew 25:34, Jesus describes the final judgment, saying, "Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’" . This inheritance is a gift of grace, yet it is also contingent upon a life of faith and obedience. Paul, in his epistles, often speaks of the imperishable crown that awaits believers. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, he writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable" . This imagery of a race and a crown serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing the need for discipline and perseverance. Warnings Against Losing the Reward The New Testament contains several warnings about the potential to lose one's reward. In Hebrews 10:35-36, believers are encouraged, "So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised" . This passage highlights the necessity of endurance in faith to secure the promised reward. Moreover, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the principle of stewardship and accountability. The servant who fails to invest his talent is cast out, symbolizing the loss of reward due to unfaithfulness and negligence. Encouragement to Persevere The Bible not only warns but also encourages believers to remain faithful. In Galatians 6:9, Paul exhorts, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" . This promise of a future harvest serves as an encouragement to continue in good works and faithfulness. The apostle Peter also speaks of the reward, urging believers to be diligent in their calling. In 2 Peter 1:10-11, he writes, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" . This passage emphasizes the active role of believers in securing their reward through a life of virtue and godliness. In summary, the reward of the saints is a central theme in Scripture, offering both a promise and a warning. Believers are called to remain vigilant, faithful, and diligent in their walk with God, ensuring that they do not lose the eternal reward prepared for them. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 John 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have worked, but that we receive a full reward. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ... On the First Commandment Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. The Judgment. Satan Considering the Saints How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ... The Resurrection The Broken Fence Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The Saint's Heritage and Watchword Resources Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we store up treasures in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | 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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