Rewards in Heaven
A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test every man’s work of what sort it is. (14) If any man’s work abide which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet as by fire.
New Scofield Reference Edition Bible, 1967.
“God in the New Testament Scriptures, offers to the lost, salvation; and for the faithful service of the saved, He offers rewards. The passages are easily distinguished by remembering that salvation is invariably spoken of as a free gift (e.g. John 4:10; Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9), whereas rewards are earned by works (Mt 10:42; Lk 19:17; 1 Cor 9:24-25; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Rev 2:10; 22:12). A further distinction is that salvation is a present possession (Lk 7:50; Jn 3:36; 5:24; 6:47), whereas rewards are a future attainment, to be given at the rapture (2 Tim 4:8; Rev 22:12).”
Hebrew Greek Key Study Bible, Spiros Zodhiates, 1988.
“1 Corinthians 3:15 A Christian may suffer the loss of worthless works and character, but not his life. It is like one who escapes from a burning building; he has suffered a loss, but he is still alive. So Paul is teaching that there will be a judgment for Christians, but it is not a judgment that consigns people to hell.”
Matthew Henry’s Commentary,1991
“And such a builder shall not, cannot fail of a reward. He will have praise and honour in that day, and eternal recompense after it. Note, Fidelity in the ministers of Christ will meet with a full and ample reward in a future life. Those who spread true and pure religion in all branches of it, and whose work will abide in the great day, shall receive a reward.”
Mt 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.
Mt 16:27 (Jesus speaking) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary, 1991.
“Observe, First, Jesus Christ will come as a Judge, to dispense rewards and punishments,…. Secondly, Men will then be rewarded, not according to their gains in this world, but according to their works, according to what they were and did. Thirdly, The best preparative for that day is to deny ourselves, and take up our cross, and follow Christ. Fourthly, The rewarding of men according to their works is deferred till that day.”
Mat 25:21 (Jesus speaking) His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary, 1991
“He rewards them. The faithful servants of Christ shall not be put off with bare commendation; no, all their work and labour of love shall be rewarded….Christ has honour in store for those that honour him – a crown (2 Tim 4:8), a thrown (Rev 3:21), a kingdom, (Mt 25:34).
Lk 19:17 (Jesus telling a parable) And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over 10 cities.
1 Cor 9:24-25 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Rev 22:12 (Jesus speaking) And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.