Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the full reward of the saints is a theme woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His faithful followers. This reward is both a present reality and a future hope, encompassing spiritual blessings in this life and eternal glory in the life to come.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms that God rewards those who diligently seek Him and live according to His will. Hebrews 11:6 states, "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." This verse underscores the principle that faith and earnest pursuit of God are prerequisites for receiving His reward. Present Rewards In the present life, the saints experience a foretaste of their full reward through spiritual blessings and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of believers being "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." This sealing is a guarantee of the future inheritance, providing assurance and comfort to the saints. Moreover, the fruits of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23 , are manifestations of the reward that believers experience in their daily walk with God: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These virtues are evidence of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and a glimpse of the fullness to come. Future Rewards The ultimate reward for the saints is eternal life with God, a promise that is reiterated throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 25:21 , Jesus illustrates this reward in the Parable of the Talents: "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’" This passage highlights the joy and responsibility that accompany the saints' reward in the kingdom of heaven. The Apostle Paul also speaks of the future reward in 2 Timothy 4:8 : "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 eternal reward awaiting those who have lived faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return. Heavenly Inheritance The full reward of the saints is often described as an inheritance, emphasizing its permanence and value. 1 Peter 1:4 describes this inheritance as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is secure and eternal, contrasting with the temporary and perishable nature of earthly rewards. Revelation 21:3-4 provides a vivid depiction of the saints' ultimate reward: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'" This passage encapsulates the fullness of the reward, where the saints will experience perfect communion with God and the complete absence of suffering. Conclusion The reward of the saints is a profound and multifaceted concept that encompasses both present spiritual blessings and the future hope of eternal life with God. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to those who love and serve Him. 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 What Hope and Reward Remains for the Righteous and for Martyrs ... Concerning the Reward of the Holy Citizens of the Celestial City ... On Indulgences All Saints' Day The Glory of Jesus and Mary. The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ... All Saints' Day John's Salutation to the Churches. Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs Perseverance of Saints. 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) |