|
One can scarcely imagine amore important subject for the Christian than that of his eternal rewards. By his daily life he himself determines whether or not he will receive the full reward which The Lord has prepared for him.
Two general misconceptions about rewards exist. Some Christians suppose that all the children of God will receive His reward, but the Bible wards that a Christian faces the possibility of losing all reward.
Others think that a disobedient believer will lose not only his reward but also his salvation but the Bible teachers that even if all the works of the Christian are burnt up at the judgement seat, he himself will be saved “as by fire”
Salvation is the gift of God granted to faith wholly apart from works.
Rewards are the gift of God granted to the Christian for his works performed in the Spirit.
1. Salvation only by faith, not by works
Recently I read the following “The initial condition upon which man may aspire to this blissful vision is the atoning work of the Redeemer.....But the final condition for realising in fact that which the atonement has made possible is set before us in the clause... ‘pursue the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord’”
It was without any doubt that in the mind of the writer of these words it was his desire to promote godly living and a wholesome fear of the Lord. A very commendable thing. But this quotation of Scripture like many other phrases are often used to promote the teaching that we must after being “saved by grace” work to make sure we don’t lose our salvation. This is very misleading to say the least. I have no doubt about the writers godliness and sincerity; but of the incorrectness of his teaching I have not the slightest doubt.
The eternal security of the believer depends solely upon the sovereign grace of God.
It is altogether independent of works. Eph 2:8-9 Darby
For ye are saved by grace, through faith; and this not of yourselves; it is God's gift: not on the principle of works, that no one might boast.
Salvation is effected alone through the work of Christ upon the cross and His resurrection, appropriated by faith, applied to the believer by the Holy Spirit .
To this nothing can be added. The Scriptures know nothing of an “initial” and a “final” condition. The work of Calvary is a “finished” work. By it “ For by one offering he has perfected in perpetuity the sanctified. Heb 10:14
Their future salvation is no eventuality; it is the appointment of God in His foreknowledge and according to His own purpose and grace.
2 Tim 1:9 “who has saved us, and has called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages of time,”
It is derogatory to the Lord Jesus to assert that His work can only be fulfilled on the condition that there is a pursuit of something by man. Yet there are those who have taught that if the “final condition” is not fulfilled it is possible for a believer to lose his salvation; or lose his place in the kingdom; and even experience the “ weeping and the gnashing of teeth, (Luk 13:28 Darby)
Such teachers have turned God’s warnings into threats;
they have substituted fear for hope and have taught salvation by the work of Christ on Calvary plus something of human endeavour, instead of teaching the old fashioned gospel of “saved by grace alone”.
2. Rewards according to works.
All Christians do not live in the same degree of obedience to the Lord and His Word. Christ must deal with the differences in the obedience of His people. He will Give rewards to those whose works have earned them.
“as children of obedience, not conformed to your former lusts in your ignorance; but as he who has called you is holy, be ye also holy in all your conversation;” (1Pe 1:15 Darby)
“the work of each shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it , because it is revealed in fire; and the fire shall try the work of each what it is.”
(1Co 3:13 Darby)
“For we must all be manifested before the judgement-seat of the Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to those he has done, whether it be good or evil.”
(2Co 5:10 Darby)
3.The time of reward.
The Judgement seat of Christ
When the Lord Jesus Christ has caught up the Church to be with Him, the He judges the works of each member.
FOR ELDERS
And when the chief shepherd is manifested ye shall receive the unfading crown of glory.(1Pe 5:4 Darby)
FOR ALL CHRISTIANS
The nature of His judgement.
The judgement of the Christian’s works is individual.So then each of us shall give an account concerning himself to God. (Rom 14:12 Darby)
Searching do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord shall come, who shall also both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and shall make manifest the counsels of hearts; and then shall each have his praise from God. (1Co 4:5 Darby)
Righteous Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing.(2Ti 4:8 Darby)
Fiery 1 Cor. 3:13-15
Decisive.2 Cor 5:10.
|
