Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the reward of saints is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the certainty and assurance of divine recompense for those who faithfully follow Christ. This assurance is rooted in the promises of God as revealed in Scripture, highlighting both temporal and eternal blessings for the faithful.Biblical Foundation The assurance of the saints' reward is grounded in numerous biblical passages. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself promises rewards to His followers. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus states, "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). This passage underscores the heavenly reward awaiting those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake. The Apostle Paul also speaks of the certainty of the saints' reward. In his letter to the Corinthians, he writes, "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" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Here, Paul assures believers that their efforts in serving the Lord will not go unrewarded. Nature of the Reward The reward of the saints is both present and future. In the present life, believers experience spiritual blessings such as peace, joy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises, "Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions, and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30). This passage highlights the manifold blessings that accompany a life dedicated to Christ, even amidst trials. Eternally, the reward of the saints is the promise of eternal life and communion with God. The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction 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 joy and the absence of pain, sorrow, and death. Conditions for the Reward While the reward is assured, it is contingent upon faithfulness and perseverance. The Epistle to the Hebrews exhorts believers, "For you have need of perseverance, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised" (Hebrews 10:36). This perseverance is not a means of earning salvation but a demonstration of genuine faith. Moreover, the reward is linked to the quality of one's work. Paul explains, "If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man's work" (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). The passage indicates that the nature of one's service to God will be tested, and rewards will be given accordingly. Encouragement for Believers The assurance of the saints' reward serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The Apostle Peter writes, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:4). This promise of an unfading crown motivates believers to live lives of holiness and dedication to Christ. In summary, the reward of the saints is a sure and steadfast promise rooted in the faithfulness of God. It encompasses both present spiritual blessings and the future hope of eternal life, encouraging believers to persevere in their faith and service to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 11:18The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God's Promise is Sure. The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints. All Saints' Day The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Perseverance of Saints. Satan Considering the Saints Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs The Love of God Its Own Reward The Judgment. Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded. 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) |