Posted on by FinishStrong.blog

The Believer’s Rewards

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.—2 Corinthians 5:1,5,9-10

It seems as I get older life moves faster, is that your experience? Ever since I came to Christ back in April of 1980 I have always thought about eternity. One of the first messages I heard preached was on the Judgment Seat of Christ by Dr. Jack Van Impe. That created in me such a desire to please God and do His will and be ready for the soon return of Jesus.

Eternity is going to be just as real as our life is now. We will have a new glorified flesh and bone body capable of operating in two dimensions—the spiritual and the natural. Our future residence will be on planet earth. People are surprised when I tell them that because they have an image of just being up in a heavenly paradise but that is not what the scripture teaches.

When Jesus returns for His church, the dead in Christ will be resssurected and we who are alive will be translated to heaven. Then we will be standing before the judgment seat of Christ. This is where Christ examines our works and determines what kind of reward we will receive. All believers will stand before JESUS to give account for their lives at the time of their resurrection. This is sobering thought to stand before the one who died for us! It should motivate us to live for Christ. Live for eternity! Finish strong and receive our eternal reward.

Will you receive a reward or suffer loss?
Now let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no one can lay another foundation than that which was laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble, each one’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If anyone’s work which he has built on the foundation endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss. But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire.—1 Corinthians 3:10b-15 MEV

This is not a time of judgment for sin but an examination and reward for our works.
Jesus said, “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”—John 5:24
Christian’s will receive a crown. What is the crown? To crown in the Greek (stephanoo) is used of the reward given for victory in the olympic games. It also speaks of the glory and honor bestowed by God upon man in regard to his position in creation. It also speaks of the glory and honor bestowed upon the Lord Jesus in His exaltation. The crown rewards speak of a position of glory and honor in the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s take a look…

  1. The Crown of Righteousness—2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. [8] And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. How does one receive this reward? By being faithful to their ministry assignment.
  2. The Incorruptible Crown—1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT. [24] Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! [25] All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. [26] So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. [27] I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. How does one receive this reward? By putting into daily practice spiritual disciplines.
  3. The Crown of Life—James 1:12 KJVS [12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. How does one receive this reward? By overcoming Sin and temptation.
  4. The Crown of Rejoicing—1 Thessalonians 2:19- 20 NLT. [19] After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! [20] Yes, you are our pride and joy. How does one receive this reward? By sharing the Gospel with others, winning souls (evangelism).
  5. The Crown of Glory and Honor—1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. [3] Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. [4] And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. How does one receive this reward? By training God’s people to lead well (discipleship).

So make sure you are growing spiritually, accomplishing His will and sharing the Gospel with your generation. Make sure your life counts for eternity because time is short and moving quickly. Be eternity minded!