ON REWARDS

On Rewards

Christians believe, that the GRACE of God, guarantees salvation to every believer.

** “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

The Bible, also refers to something more, beyond salvation, a Reward, which is available to all.

** "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12-13

Some believers see the Reward, as a closer relationship with Christ. Further explaining that the reward may be the future trust, Christ will place on his people, because of our relationship, with Him.

Have you ever wondered how God builds relationships with His people? I believe it is through Grace. The transforming power of Grace begins, when people become aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their own lives. It becomes clear, there is a battle within their hearts.

** … When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members… So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:21-25

His truth begins to unfold, and we begin to see a conflict between our own sinful nature and the truth that He is revealing. The truth is, His presence and our sinful nature, are irreconcilable.

** …the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27

In fact, most Christians agree, “SIN, separates us, from God”. We realize our need of a Savior and ask Him to take our lives and use us for his Glory. We begin to move away from sin as He begins to draw us to Himself.

A word picture helps to describe sin as it relates to God. Imagine an Onion. Each layer is a sin, blocking a fuller relationship with Him. Similar to a veil, each layer obscures our view (or knowledge) of God. For example, use the Onion, and imagine; as each layer of sin is removed, a veil is lifted, and our vision of Him becomes more acute. This is a lifetime process, during which, our personal relationship with Him becomes more and more complete.

Can you see how the concept of REWARD fits into this example? During our mortal lives, when we ask God, He helps peal away the veil of our sinful nature. Why does He do that, you ask? I believe, He is preparing us, for the day we will come into His presence.

** “Now, we see but a poor reflection, as in a mirror; then, we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

Is it possible that our REWARD will be to know Christ? And that, on judgment day, some may know Him better than others? Could it be, when we enter into His presence, our knowledge of Him will be in direct proportion, to the number of layers remaining on our Onion? That is, to how we have responded to His promptings, to overcome our sinful nature, during our lives?