Reward of the Saints

Many Christians know that they are 'destined for glory'. But what is it and what form it will take, most have no clue what it's all about. Some may hazard a guess, like 'riding in the clouds', 'walking through streets of gold in heaven', or 'just loiter around in heaven - free and easy - perhaps at the bosom of Jesus'. But none of these is what the bible teaches.

Before I dwell into reward, we need to be absolutely clear what is salvation. I used to think that I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. This is only half the truth. We are 'saved by His (Jesus Christ) life (Romans 5:10). While we are reconciled to God and justified by His blood (Rom 5:9) of all our past transgressions and sins, He saved us completely based on our repentance - turning from our evil past (kingdom of darkness) to FUTURE obedience on God's laws and commandments (Kingdom of Light).

This is made possible because God's Spirit dwells upon those who repent and obey Him (Acts 5:31-32). In other words, the authority and works (fruits) of the believer is dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit which is conditional on repentance and obedience on the part of the Christian. And not dependent on some 'soaking meeting' or 'Holy Spirit meeting' to prop up dwindling spiritual power. This will NOT work and is unbiblical, but can cause confusion and deception in the body of Christ! Don't get me wrong, those who are not full of God's Holy Spirit but are nevertheless believer of Jesus Christ, will not lose their salvation, though they could lose their reward if their lives are found to be unfruitful - like being deceived into doing the wrong kind of work in the name of the Lord ( Matthew 15:13-14; Mark 7:7; 1 Cor 3:15).

Salvation is by grace through faith, even the saving faith itself is a gift. 'For by grace are you saved through faith, and that (faith) not of yourself; it (faith) is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9). That is why there is another level of faith, 'For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith (the faith of Christ) (Rom 1:17). But that will be the subject of another blog.

Make no mistake, a Christian is one who has the Holy Spirit leading and guiding him/her. 'For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God' (Rom 8:14) - for we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit (verse 9). From these verses alone, we gather that God the father is building His divine family with Jesus as the Firstborn and born again believers (resurrected in the First Resurrection) are His brethren (Rom 8:29), being the church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23). Satan is absolutely mad that he was not offered as member of God's divine family but puny man can have it! You read it right, you and I can be part of God's divine family - literally - when Jesus Christ returns to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God during the Millennial Age. Not even the angels in heaven were given the privilege. This is clearly reveals in Hebrews, beginning with chapter 1 (more about that in future blog). David's writing in Psalm 8 shows his understanding of things to come (little wonder he is a man after God's own heart and will be resurrected - because he is stiil sleeping in the dust, Acts 2:34 - in the First Resurrection to rule and reign over Israel).

The Holy Spirit dwells in the minds of believers to renew and guide us into the truth - for only the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Free from what? - from the deceptions of Satan and his demons. God's plan for believers (potential sons) is not either faith or works, but FAITH AND WORKS - in order to qualify us for the Kingdom as part of His divine family which He is working now to expand to include all believers who will heed His calling and commandments.

In a sense, the church is currently being judged - 'For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God' (1 Peter 4:17). What is the purpose of God's judging His people now if our character, conduct and works make no difference to Him. God is sieving out His chosen ones - the overcomers - to be part of His 'A' team in His government! No one is fit to rule and reign in the Kingdom of God if he/she cannot be ruled or refuse to submit to the government of God which is based on the laws and commandments of God as stipulated in the holy scriptures. Do not be like the stubborn mules in the parable of Luke 19:14. Christians must learn to 'grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 3:18). For one's status, position, office, rank and glory will depend on your character building and works accomplished - assessed when you are resurrected or walk (transformed) into the Kingdom of God, whichever comes first. That is your destiny - for your future quality of life depends on what you do NOW!

John 15 records the words of our Lord Jesus Christ on the night before the betrayal. He kept the Passover with His disciples and taught them the importance of bearing fruit. However, the believer must understand God's role in the building of character, good works and righteousness (Rom 10:3). Doing our own thing or God's work in our own way will amount to nothing as far as reward in the life to come is concern. God is the potter and we are the clay. Let His Holy Spirit work in and through us to produce the Godly character (partakers of the divine nature) He desires of us first before we can be useful for the extension of His Kingdom both now and in the age to come. For we must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (our current needs and future rewards) shall be added to you (Matt 6:33).