Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing that the ultimate recompense for the faithful is bestowed by God Himself. This reward is not merely a temporal or earthly compensation but an eternal inheritance that reflects the divine justice and grace of God.Biblical Foundation The Scriptures consistently affirm that God is the source of the saints' reward. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence" (Psalm 140:13). This verse underscores the promise of divine fellowship as a reward for righteousness. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ articulates the principle of divine reward in the Beatitudes, stating, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Here, the kingdom of heaven is presented as the ultimate reward for those who endure suffering for the sake of righteousness. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme, writing to the Corinthians, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This passage highlights the certainty of divine recompense based on one's earthly life. Nature of the Reward The reward of the saints is multifaceted, encompassing both spiritual and eternal dimensions. It includes the promise of eternal life, as Jesus assures in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" . Eternal life is the quintessential reward, signifying unending communion with God. Moreover, the reward involves a share in Christ's glory. Paul writes in Romans 8:17, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" . This inheritance as co-heirs with Christ points to a profound participation in the divine glory. Conditions for Receiving the Reward The reception of the saints' reward is contingent upon faithfulness and perseverance. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers, "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" (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is thus a prerequisite for obtaining the divine reward. Additionally, the call to perseverance is echoed in Revelation 2:10, where Christ promises, "Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" . The crown of life symbolizes the eternal reward for steadfastness in the face of trials. Contrast with Earthly Rewards The reward from God stands in stark contrast to earthly rewards, which are transient and often tainted by human imperfection. Jesus warns against seeking human accolades, teaching, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). This admonition highlights the superiority of divine reward over human recognition. Conclusion The reward of the saints, as presented in the Bible, is a profound testament to God's justice, grace, and faithfulness. It is an eternal inheritance that surpasses all earthly treasures, reserved for those who live in faith and obedience to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:24 Hebrews 11:6 Library The Law Written in the Heart, and the Reward of the Eternal ... What Hope and Reward Remains for the Righteous and for Martyrs ... All Saints' Day The Love of God Its Own Reward What the Difference is Between Christ and the Saints. The Justice of God In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ... On the Justification of Man Before God From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ... Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction. 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) |