To every action, there is an opposite reaction. There is a reward for every deed on earth. Jesus spoke in Revelation 22: 12, see, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. Jesus said in Luke 12: 48, for everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. Paul said in Galatians 6: 7, do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
Hebrews 4: 13 says, before him (Jesus) no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Nothing is secret from. Luke 8: 17 says for nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Everyone will render accounts for his or her deeds. Jesus said in Matthew 12: 36, I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter. Based on our stewardship, we shall receive corresponding reward for stewardship be it good or bad.
What are deeds and rewards?
Deeds and rewards may take many forms. Generally, deeds include speech, bodily action, sight, hearing and thoughts. Reward on the other hand is simply payback or reciprocity in any form that appears commensurate with the deed. Both deed and reward could be positive or negative. 1 Samuel 26: 23; 2 Samuel 22: 21 states, the Lord rewards everyone for his righteousness and his faithfulness.
On good deeds, the psalmist said in Psalms 19: 11 Moreover by them (God’s commandments) is your servant warned; in keeping them is great reward. David said in Psalms 58: 11, surely, there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth. Jeremiah 31: 16 says don’t weep … for there is reward for your work, says the LORD. Jeremiah 32: 19 says God’s open eyes reward all according to their ways and according to the fruit of their doings.
Paul wrote on the reward for evil deeds and in Romans 6: 23, for the wages of sin is death. It is written in Proverbs 13: 13, those who despise the word bring destruction on themselves, but those who respect the commandment will be rewarded. In effect law abiding servants will not be destroyed. Proverbs 13: 21 says misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous. What are our deeds?
What time is God’s reward due?
Rewards for our deeds are due immediately after each and every deed. However, by grace, God may extend the time in our lives which cannot be guaranteed. Isaiah 40: 10; 62: 11 says the LORD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. This means no one can stop the Lord from executing his reward as he deems fit anytime anywhere anyhow.
Only Jesus will return with the rewards when he appears in the cloud with his angels. However, no one knows the time saved to say it may be anytime soon. Jesus said in Matthew 24: 36; Mark 13: 32, but about that day and hour, no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. By Jesus’ statement, all statements and prophecies as to the date of his return are speculative.
What are the types of rewards?
Good deeds attract eternal life with Christ in heaven whilst evil deeds attract eternal death with Satan in hell fire. 2 Timothy 2: 12 says if we endure, we will also reign with him (Christ Jesus), if we deny him, he will also deny us. There are unlimited shades of individual rewards which the Lord will also give for good deeds. Jesus wore a crown of thorns, Matthew 27: 29; Mark 15: 17; John 19: 5. However, Jesus no more wears the crown of thorns in heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God.
Revelation 14: 14 says Jesus’ crown in heaven is a golden crown with a sharp sickle in his hand. For those who will qualify they will also receive crowns, Revelation 3: 11. Revelation 2: 10; James 1: 12 mentions the crown of life. 1 Peter 5: 4 mentions the crown of glory that never fades. Paul mentions his expected crown as the crown of righteousness, 2 Timothy 4: 8.
What character qualifies for a crown?
Every reward will be based on tested deeds. 1Corinthians 3: 12-15 say now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw- the work of ach builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire.
Serving the Lord will give inheritance as a reward, Colossians 3:24. We must cling to our confidence in the faith, Hebrews 10: 35. We must believe that Jesus exists which means we must live the life of Christ, Hebrews 11: 6. We must endure persecution as our forefathers in the faith did, Matthew 5: 12. We must show kindness, Matthew 10: 41. Both the sower and the reaper may rejoice together, John 4: 36; 1 Corinthians 3: 8. We must be born again of water and Spirit, John 3: 5.
Jesus is coming soon
Are we sure to receive a crown when Jesus comes or when we are called in death to account for our lives here on earth? Jesus said in Matthew 7: 21, not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Are we doing the will of the Father as Jesus wants? Nobody is immortal, we will leave this world one day. Are we ready?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding us that our rewards would be based on our deeds when you gloriously return. We therefore confess that we have fallen short of your glory in word, thought and deed, in what we have perceived with our eyes, and listened with the ears. Cleanse us in your precious blood and save our souls today. Continue to renew us by the power of your Holy Spirit and grant us your grace to qualify for eternity in righteousness. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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