Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints, as presented in the Bible, emphasizes that the blessings and eternal life promised to believers are not earned by human merit but are gifts of God's grace. This principle is foundational to the Christian understanding of salvation and the ultimate reward for the faithful.Grace, Not Works The Bible consistently teaches that salvation and the subsequent rewards for believers are not based on human works or merits. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores that salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement, ensuring that no one can claim credit for their own redemption. The Role of Faith Faith is the means by which believers receive the promises of God, including their eternal reward. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "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." Faith, rather than personal merit, is the key to accessing God's promises. The Righteousness of Christ The righteousness that qualifies believers for their heavenly reward is not their own but is imputed to them through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This exchange highlights that the believer's standing before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not their own deeds. Eternal Life as a Gift Eternal life, the ultimate reward for the saints, is described as a gift from God. Romans 6:23 contrasts the consequences of sin with the gift of God: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse reinforces the idea that eternal life is not a wage earned by human effort but a gracious gift bestowed by God. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Jesus' parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) illustrates the principle that God's rewards are not based on human merit. In the parable, workers hired at different times of the day receive the same wage, symbolizing that God's generosity and grace, rather than human effort, determine the reward. This teaching challenges the notion of earning God's favor through works. The Inheritance of the Saints The New Testament frequently refers to the reward of believers as an inheritance, emphasizing its nature as a gift rather than a wage. Colossians 1:12 speaks of "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light." This inheritance is secured by God's promise and is not contingent upon human merit. Conclusion The reward of the saints, as presented in Scripture, is a profound testament to the grace and generosity of God. It is a reminder that the blessings of salvation and eternal life are not earned by human effort but are freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding calls believers to a life of gratitude and humility, recognizing that their hope and reward are rooted in God's unmerited favor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 4:4,5Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether the Saints Will Never Use their Agility for the Purpose of ... Whether the Prayers which the Saints Pour Forth to God for us are ... The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ... Whether Suffrages Profit the Saints in Heaven? Whether So Many Abodes Should be Distinguished? Whether the Good Will be Judged at the Judgment? Whether any Men Will Judge Together with Christ? Against the Belief of those who Think that the Sins which have ... The Light of Glory. Degrees of Enjoyment through the Glorified Senses. 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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