"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward." 1 Corinthians 3:14
Notice that if any man's work abides, he shall receive a reward, not that he shall be saved. This distinction is important because we are not saved by any good works that we do, yet, the good works that we do will be rewarded. When the believer is judged at the judgment seat of Christ, what is in view is not salvation nor the loss of it, but rewards. Here, he either receives rewards or loses rewards. This judgment is not a judgment unto a destination, but one in which crowns are given, in proportion to the measure of service, to those who served the cause of the kingdom of God when they were on the earth.
Salvation is a free gift from God, but rewards are earned as a result of faithful service in the kingdom. Eternal life, which is received upon being saved, is a present possession that all who believe in Jesus Christ the moment they confess Christ as their Lord; whereas, reward is something that is received in the future, at Christ's return. Reward is a hope that everyone who diligently serves the Lord in this present time has. When that time comes, all who serve Christ will be fully rewarded for every labour expended on the cause of God's kingdom.
Notice that if any man's work abides, he shall receive a reward, not that he shall be saved. This distinction is important because we are not saved by any good works that we do, yet, the good works that we do will be rewarded. When the believer is judged at the judgment seat of Christ, what is in view is not salvation nor the loss of it, but rewards. Here, he either receives rewards or loses rewards. This judgment is not a judgment unto a destination, but one in which crowns are given, in proportion to the measure of service, to those who served the cause of the kingdom of God when they were on the earth.
Salvation is a free gift from God, but rewards are earned as a result of faithful service in the kingdom. Eternal life, which is received upon being saved, is a present possession that all who believe in Jesus Christ the moment they confess Christ as their Lord; whereas, reward is something that is received in the future, at Christ's return. Reward is a hope that everyone who diligently serves the Lord in this present time has. When that time comes, all who serve Christ will be fully rewarded for every labour expended on the cause of God's kingdom.
In His letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke of the reward that awaits all who overcome. So, if you are in Christ, don't hold back your service, in whatever form you can, because some day you will be rewarded for every good deed done for the advancement of the cause of Christ on the earth.
Toni
