12.27 Receiving your reward in heaven
In the New Covenant, we understand that salvation is by grace. When we received Christ, we became children of God with an eternal inheritance. In addition, Jesus has market out a race for us (Heb 12:1-2). Let us be clear, this race is not about trying to perform works of the law or trying to attain to righteousness – as under the Old Covenant.
Today, we stand on the finished work of Christ and we are already righteous by grace. This is the race of faith in Jesus (Heb 12:2); allowing Jesus to fulfill His purpose in us and through us.
The grace of God propels us to run our race (1 Cor 15:10). The unconditional love of God is our motive (1 John 4:19). We do it not to earn anything, but because we have received everything from Christ. We experience great joy and adventure in running our race of faith, and in leaving by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14). Even though we don’t live for rewards, the Bible tells us that we will receive rewards in heaven. Isn’t our Father God good? Let us consider this important verse.
(2 Cor 5:10)
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.
“Judgment Seat” is translated from the Greek word “bema” which means an elevated platform where victorious athletes (eg. During an Olympics) went to receive their crowns. It is the place where the Lord will sit to evaluate believers’ lives for the purpose of giving them eternal rewards. It is not a place for judgment of sins because our sins have been judged in the body of Christ on the cross (John 3:18, 5:24).
“Things done in the body” refer to activities believers do during their lifetime. In the phrase “whether good or bad”, the word “bad” does not refer to sin or evil actions. It refers to actions that are of no value or no consequences.
Sometimes, we may think that our actions are of little value but we do not know how our small actions can impact others. A young lady who was at the brink of suicide was touched by a song from a CD that a friend had given her. She changed her mind and later received Jesus.
2 Cor 5:10 tells us that there is potentially a reward for every believer in heaven. We can look forward to it and live for it. Paul said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14) When he had completed his race, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)
Today, we stand on the finished work of Christ and we are already righteous by grace. This is the race of faith in Jesus (Heb 12:2); allowing Jesus to fulfill His purpose in us and through us.
The grace of God propels us to run our race (1 Cor 15:10). The unconditional love of God is our motive (1 John 4:19). We do it not to earn anything, but because we have received everything from Christ. We experience great joy and adventure in running our race of faith, and in leaving by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14). Even though we don’t live for rewards, the Bible tells us that we will receive rewards in heaven. Isn’t our Father God good? Let us consider this important verse.
(2 Cor 5:10)
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.
“Judgment Seat” is translated from the Greek word “bema” which means an elevated platform where victorious athletes (eg. During an Olympics) went to receive their crowns. It is the place where the Lord will sit to evaluate believers’ lives for the purpose of giving them eternal rewards. It is not a place for judgment of sins because our sins have been judged in the body of Christ on the cross (John 3:18, 5:24).
“Things done in the body” refer to activities believers do during their lifetime. In the phrase “whether good or bad”, the word “bad” does not refer to sin or evil actions. It refers to actions that are of no value or no consequences.
Sometimes, we may think that our actions are of little value but we do not know how our small actions can impact others. A young lady who was at the brink of suicide was touched by a song from a CD that a friend had given her. She changed her mind and later received Jesus.
2 Cor 5:10 tells us that there is potentially a reward for every believer in heaven. We can look forward to it and live for it. Paul said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14) When he had completed his race, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)
posted by Joshua Lye @ 10:49 PM
<< Home