Treasure in Heaven

Open: The end of a school year is a tough time for students (and teachers). Whether it is an EOG or finals, the day of accounting looms and it has to be faced. Each student then receives some type of score, an indicator of progress, mastery, or lack thereof.

Transition: The way testing is done leaves a lot to be desired, and putting so much focus on one score is not the best way to evaluate a student’s progress. But, with that being said, it is still a measure of accountability and judgment. What is the accountability for the Christ-follower?

All Believers will face judgment (; )

Explanation: Scripture is clear on the reality of a future judgment that awaits those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus. Paul leaves no room for doubt when he declares that “each of us will give an account to God” and when he states “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.

Illustration: Class Reward system for elementary students. Once a student gets 2 disciplinary actions, she will miss out on Fun Friday. IF the student has a bad Monday & Tuesday, she has no reason to behave well the rest of the week.

Argument: Many Christ-followers have an undeveloped understanding of Eternity. Many hold the belief that trusting Christ is the first and last event for normal Christians. The thinking is that as long as Heaven is gained and Hell shunned, then all but the Apostles, most missionaries, and a few great preachers will all be equal for eternity. After all, isn’t everyone equal at the foot of the Cross?

undeveloped understanding of Eternity. Many hold the belief that trusting Christ is the first and last event for normal Christians. The thinking is that as long as Heaven is gained and Hell shunned, then all but the Apostles, most missionaries, and a few great preachers will all be equal for eternity. After all, isn’t everyone equal at the foot of the Cross?

As to Salvation, the answer is YES. All sinners are equal at the Cross. This judgement is not for Salvation, it is for Rewards. In heaven, no believer is more justified than another believer. But, as believers, our actions, or lack of actions, have consequences. Some of those consequences are seen in this life, but the consequences will also follow us into Eternity.

Application: Gaining an understanding of God’s expectations and His accountability system should motivate us to serve Him. We don’t want to miss out on what God has for us!

The Believer’s judgment is separate from that of unbelievers

Explanation: Those who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will not face judgment for sin. The penalty for sin has been paid for and there is “therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (). The Great White Throne Judgment () is for unbelievers only, and will take place at the end of the Millennium Kingdom. The Bema is for Christians only and will take place at the Return of Christ.

Argument: Our Eternal destiny is settled in this life and there is zero chance to change that once our lives have expired. Scripture states “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” () The point is not that the judgment occurs immediately after a person dies, but that each person only gets one life. No one gets a second chance after they die. Harmonizing Scriptures concerning the judgments clearly indicates that the judgments for believers vs. unbelievers will take place in different locations & different times.

Application: Make sure you are trusting in Christ. He is the Only Way to avoid appearing at the GWT Judgment.

Believers will be rewarded or suffer loss at the judgment (; )

Explanation: The Judgment for Believers is called the Bema, or Judgment Seat of Christ. In Greek and Roman times the Bema was the raised platform where the prizes and rewards for the winning athletes were given. The Bema was not for punishment or disqualification, only rewards. This is the terminology Paul uses when he declares that all believers will be present at the judgment. No punishment will be handed out, but many believers will suffer loss in the form of not receiving any additional rewards for faithful service

Illustrate: Awards ceremonies at school. Those students who have excelled receive meritorious awards, some in the form of scholarships, some with plaques and recognition. Not all students receive awards. [some award ceremonies are rigged so everyone gets his or her name mentioned, but no such foolishness will take place at the Bema - not everyone will get a trophy!]

Argument: The foundation of Christ as Savior is identical for all believers (). The works we perform in the Name of Jesus once we have been saved will be evaluated by the Master. Not all works of faith are equal and not all Christians strive to please God. Some will present works of precious materials and will receive rewards (). Others will have taken their talent and buried it and done little or nothing for the Master - their works are wood, hay & stubble and will be burned up ()

Application: The judgment will not be a comparison between believers. Jesus will judge each of us according to what He gave us and how we used what He gave us. Are we using His gifts for ourselves in consumption or are we laying up treasures in heaven by conveying His blessings on others?

Eternal Rewards can and should motivate us to serve the Master

Explanation: Going back to the first text that was read, , Jesus gives a basic command to do one thing rather than the other. He is telling His disciples to store up treasure in heaven. In context, this can only be done in this life. This command, along with other biblical principles such as found in should motivate us to serve Him as well as we can.

The more Christians understand the Bible’s teaching on eternal rewards, the more they will engage in the kingdom effort on earth, and the more they will reap the benefit from what they sow here when they get to heaven.

“The more Christians understand the Bible’s teaching on eternal rewards, the more they will engage in the kingdom effort on earth, and the more they will reap the benefit from what they sow here when they get to heaven.”

The more Christians understand the Bible’s teaching on eternal rewards, the more they will engage in the kingdom effort on earth, and the more they will reap the benefit from what they sow here when they get to heaven.

Argument: To restate an important distinction: No one Christian is more justified than any other. This is not about salvation. This is about rewards or loss of rewards in Heaven. Just as there are different degrees of punishment in Hell, there will be different degrees of rewards in Glory. And, because we will be removed from the taint of sin, there will be no jealousy or resentment. As Jonathan Edwards stated: All the vessels will be full, but some vessels will hold more than others.

“The reward we obtain is a specific position of authority that comes with a sphere of responsibility. In other words, you get a job to do in heaven. This may or may not involve reporting to Jesus directly or consulting with him as you reign on his behalf in an area of his kingdom.”

Two above quotes taken from blog post of Clint Archer, website The CrippleGate, dated Jan. 22 & 29, 2018 respectively

Application: Understanding that as believers we still have much to gain or lose in Eternity based on our service for the Master, we should be motivated to please Him. Imagine standing before Jesus with your seashell collection as your only accomplishment!