Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward for the saints is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the blessings and eternal inheritance promised to those who faithfully follow God. This reward is not merely a future hope but also a present reality, as believers experience the peace and joy of a life lived in communion with God.Biblical Foundation The promise of a great reward for the saints is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the faithful are often assured of God's blessings. For instance, in Psalm 58:11 , it is written, "Then men will say, 'There is surely a reward for the righteous; there is surely a God who judges the earth.'" This verse underscores the belief that God is just and will reward those who live righteously. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently speaks of the rewards awaiting His followers. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declares, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you" (Matthew 5:12). Here, Jesus assures His disciples that their faithfulness, even in the face of persecution, will be richly rewarded in heaven. Nature of the Reward The reward of the saints is multifaceted, encompassing both spiritual and eternal blessings. Spiritually, believers experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which brings peace, joy, and guidance. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23 about the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are part of the present reward for those who walk in the Spirit. Eternally, the reward is described as an inheritance that is imperishable. In 1 Peter 1:4 , it is stated that believers are born again "into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is the ultimate reward, signifying eternal life with God, free from the corruption and suffering of the present world. Conditions for the Reward The reward of the saints is contingent upon faithfulness and perseverance. The Book of Revelation emphasizes the need for endurance, as seen in Revelation 2:10 : "Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." This crown symbolizes the eternal life and victory granted to those who remain steadfast in their faith. Moreover, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to run the race of faith with perseverance, stating in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 , "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, 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." This passage highlights the importance of enduring faith and the anticipation of Christ's return. Implications for Believers The promise of a great reward serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for believers. It reminds them that their labor in the Lord is not in vain, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:58 : "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This assurance inspires Christians to live lives of holiness, service, and devotion, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded by God. Furthermore, the anticipation of the reward fosters a heavenly perspective, encouraging believers to set their minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2 : "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This focus on the eternal helps Christians navigate the challenges and trials of life with hope and confidence in God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 6:35 Hebrews 10:35 Library Abram's Horror of Great Darkness. All Saints' Day What Hope and Reward Remains for the Righteous and for Martyrs ... Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction. The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ... The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ... The Christian Orator is Constantly Dealing with Great Matters. Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service Treats of the Insecurity of Life in this Exile, However High we ... All Saints' Day 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) |