Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints being rooted in God's good pleasure is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures. This notion emphasizes that the blessings and rewards bestowed upon the faithful are not merely transactional or earned by human merit, but are graciously given according to God's sovereign will and delight.Divine Sovereignty and Grace The foundation of this understanding lies in the recognition of God's sovereignty and grace. Ephesians 1:5-6 states, "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One." Here, the apostle Paul underscores that the adoption and subsequent rewards of believers are rooted in God's good pleasure, highlighting His grace as the source of all blessings. The Nature of Heavenly Rewards The rewards promised to the saints are often depicted as heavenly and eternal. In Matthew 5:12 , Jesus encourages His followers, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you." This passage illustrates that the rewards are not only future-oriented but are also a reflection of God's approval and pleasure in the faithfulness of His people. Faithfulness and Divine Approval The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:21 further illustrates the relationship between faithfulness and divine reward: "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!’" The joy of the master, representing God's pleasure, is the ultimate reward for the servant's faithfulness, indicating that the reward is both relational and rooted in divine approval. The Role of Christ's Righteousness The rewards of the saints are also intrinsically linked to the righteousness of Christ. Philippians 3:9 speaks of being "found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith." This righteousness, imputed to believers, is the basis upon which God is pleased to reward His saints, as it aligns them with His holy standards. The Pleasure of God in His People Zephaniah 3:17 beautifully captures God's delight in His people: "The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing." This imagery of God rejoicing over His people underscores the personal and relational aspect of the rewards He bestows, rooted in His love and pleasure. Eternal Inheritance The ultimate reward for the saints is the eternal inheritance promised by God. 1 Peter 1:3-4 declares, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance, imperishable and reserved, is a testament to God's good pleasure in granting His people a share in His eternal kingdom. Conclusion The reward of the saints, therefore, is a multifaceted concept that reflects God's sovereign grace, His delight in the faithfulness of His people, and the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers. It is a reward that is both present and future, temporal and eternal, and is ultimately rooted in the good pleasure of God, who delights in blessing His children. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 20:14,15Take that your is, and go your way: I will give to this last, even as to you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 12:32 Library The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth. On the Justification of Man Before God The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Perseverance of Saints. Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ... Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity. The Lord and the Leper Showing How Some Men Live Contrary to These Exercises Of the Most Bitter Kind of Scrupulosity Touching Confession. ... 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) |