Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints, as prepared by Christ, is a profound theme woven throughout the New Testament. It reflects the promise of eternal life and heavenly blessings for those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. This reward is not merely a future hope but a present assurance for believers, grounded in the redemptive work of Christ and His promises.Biblical Foundation The promise of a reward for the saints is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures His disciples of the heavenly reward He is preparing for them: "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2). This passage highlights the personal involvement of Christ in preparing a place for His followers, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Savior and His saints. The Apostle Paul also speaks of the reward awaiting believers, describing it as an incorruptible crown. In his letter to the Corinthians, 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" (1 Corinthians 9:24). Here, Paul encourages believers to live with purpose and discipline, aiming for the eternal reward that Christ has secured for them. Nature of the Reward The reward of the saints is multifaceted, encompassing eternal life, heavenly inheritance, and the joy of being in the presence of God. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John provides a glimpse of this reward: "He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son" (Revelation 21:7). This inheritance includes the fullness of God's kingdom and the privilege of being called His children. Moreover, the reward is described as a crown of righteousness, which the Lord will bestow upon those who have loved His appearing. Paul writes to Timothy, "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" (2 Timothy 4:8). This crown symbolizes the righteousness imparted to believers through Christ and the fulfillment of their hope in His return. Prepared by Christ The preparation of this reward by Christ underscores His active role in the salvation and glorification of His people. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only laid down His life for the sheep but also ensures their eternal security and blessing. In the book of Hebrews, it is stated, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15). Through His mediatorial work, Christ guarantees the fulfillment of God's promises to the saints. Furthermore, the reward is a testament to the grace and love of Christ, who desires to share His glory with His followers. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus expresses this desire: "Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory, the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24). This intimate sharing of glory is part of the reward that Christ has prepared for His saints. Living in Light of the Reward The assurance of this reward calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. The apostle Peter exhorts the saints to be diligent in their faith, stating, "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" (2 Peter 1:10-11). This exhortation encourages believers to persevere in faith and godliness, motivated by the certainty of the reward prepared by Christ. In summary, the reward of the saints, prepared by Christ, is a central theme in the New Testament, offering believers the hope of eternal life, a heavenly inheritance, and the joy of being in the presence of God. This reward, secured by the redemptive work of Christ, calls believers to live faithfully and expectantly, assured of the promises of their Savior. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 14:2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Index of Subjects. The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. Whether Christ's Ascension is the Cause of Our Salvation? Christ's Transfiguration All Saints' Day Psalm 50 the Last Judgment. The Judgment. Conclusion Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ... Consolations against the Fear of Death. Resources What did Jesus mean when He said the first will be last and the last will be first? | GotQuestions.orgIs there anything I can do to guarantee myself a long life? | GotQuestions.org What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? | 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) |