No Saint Left Behind
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When do the rewards given in heaven gets passed out?
But…you can still lose your rewards. The book of Revelation illustrates how one day we will stand at God’s bema where He will give us the rewards we are due. Some of them we will keep, but others will be taken away according to our actions and choices here on earth.
The Time of the Bema, This event will occur immediately following the rapture or resurrection of the church after it is caught up to be with the Lord in the air as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
(1) In Luke 14:12-14, reward is associated with the resurrection and the rapture is when the church is resurrected.
(2) In Revelation 19:8, when the Lord returns with His bride at the end of the tribulation, she is seen already rewarded. Her reward is described as fine linen, the righteous acts of the saints—undoubtedly the result of rewards.
(3) In 2 Timothy 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 4:5, rewards are associated with “that day” and with the Lord’s coming. Again, for the church this means the event of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
So the order of events will be (a) the rapture which includes our glorification or resurrection bodies, (b) exaltation into the heavens with the Lord, (c) examination before the Bema, and (d) compensation or rewards.
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“What
is the Judgment Seat of Christ / Bema Seat of Christ?”
Romans 14:10–12 says,
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Second Corinthians 5:10 tells us,
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may
receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or
bad.” In context, it is clear that both passages refer to Christians, not
unbelievers. The judgment seat of Christ, therefore, involves believers giving
an account of their lives to Christ.
The judgment seat of Christ does not determine
salvation; that was determined by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All of our sins are
forgiven, and we will never be condemned for them (Romans 8:1). We should not look at
the judgment seat of Christ as God judging our sins, but rather as God
rewarding us for our lives. Yes, as the Bible says, we will have to give an
account of ourselves. Part of this is surely answering for the sins we
committed. However, that is not going to be the primary focus of the judgment
seat of Christ.
At the judgment seat of Christ, believers are rewarded based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). Some of the things we might be judged on are how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), and how well we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9). The Bible speaks of believers receiving crowns for different things based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). The various crowns are described in 2 Timothy 2:5, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, 1 Peter 5:4, and Revelation 2:10. James 1:12 is a good summary of how we should think about the judgment seat of Christ: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
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“What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven?”
The
Bible mentions rewards in heaven
multiple times (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23, 35; 1 Corinthians 3:14; 9:18). But why are rewards
necessary? Won’t being in heaven with God be enough? Experiencing Him, His
glory, and the joys of heaven will be so wonderful it’s hard to understand why
extra rewards would be needed. Also, since our faith rests in Christ’s
righteousness instead of our own (Romans 3:21–26), it seems strange
that our works would merit reward.
God will give rewards in heaven at the bema, or the judgment seat of
Christ, based on our faithfulness in service to Him (2 Corinthians 5:10). The rewards
will show the reality of our sonship (Galatians 4:7) and the justice of
God (Hebrews 6:10). God will give rewards
in heaven in order to fulfill the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7–9) and make good on
His promise that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
One reason for the rewards in heaven is the fact
that Jesus shares His reward with us. Paul said, “I no longer live, but Christ
lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of
God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Our lives are
“hidden” with Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1–4). We die with Him
and we live with Him and we share in His joy (Romans 6:8; Matthew 25:21). In heaven we will
dwell with Him (John 14:1–3). Our lives are
inextricably linked with Christ’s. The reward He receives is shared with all of
us: “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we
share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17).
Our rewards in heaven depend on the goodness and
power of God. Through Christ’s resurrection we gain an inheritance in heaven;
on earth our faith is tested and results in praise and glory and honor when
Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:3–9). The things we do in
this life are only permanent (that is, carried with us into heaven) if they are
built on the foundation, which is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11–15).
The rewards we gain in heaven are not like the
rewards we earn here on earth. We tend to think in material terms—mansions,
jewels, etc. But these things are only representations of the true rewards we
will gain in heaven. A child who wins a spelling bee treasures the trophy he
receives not for the sake of the trophy itself but for what that trophy means.
Likewise, any rewards or honor we gain in heaven will be precious to us because
they carry the weight and meaning of our relationship with God—and because they
remind us of what He did through us on earth.
In this way, rewards in heaven glorify God and provide us with joy, peace, and wonder as we consider God’s work in us and through us. The closer we were to God during this life, the more centered on Him and aware of Him, the more dependent on Him, the more desperate for His mercy, the more there will be to celebrate. We are like characters in a story who suffer doubt, loss, and fear, wondering if we will ever really have our heart’s desire. When the happy ending comes and desire is fulfilled, there comes a completion. The story would not be satisfying without that completion. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly story, and those rewards will be eternally satisfying (Psalm 16:11).
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“What are the five heavenly crowns that believers
can receive in Heaven?”
There are five heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. They are the imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life. The Greek word translated “crown” is stephanos (the source for the name Stephen the martyr) and means “a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally.” Used during the ancient Greek games, it referred to a wreath or garland of leaves placed on a victor’s head as a reward for winning an athletic contest. As such, this word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards of heaven God promises those who are faithful. Paul’s passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 best defines for us how these crowns are awarded.
1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
All things on this earth are subject to decay and
will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and
rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to
what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle
and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a
heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that
does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).
2) The
Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is
our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of
our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always
in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon
us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else.
Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing
will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no
more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former
things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
3) The
Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “Finally, there is
laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved
His appearing.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which
is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because
it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as
earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who
love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring
discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our
reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). This crown is not
for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own
works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a
fervent desire to be with the Lord.
4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it,
Romans 8:18
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in
us.”
King James Version (KJV)
5) The
Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of
those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw
some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation
ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This
crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure
sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of
death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that
is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life
and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as
air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what
is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.”
He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). We know that our earthly
lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who
come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised
us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).
James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us.
What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven?
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“What
is going to happen according to end times prophecy?”
The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times.
Christ will remove all born-again believers from the
earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). At the
judgment seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and
faithful service during their time on earth or will lose rewards, but not
eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and
will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period
of time is known as the “tribulation.” During the tribulation, there will be
terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out
His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The tribulation will include the
appearance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet,
and bowl judgments.
About halfway through the seven years, the
Antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against it.
The Antichrist will commit “the abomination of desolation” and set up an image
of himself to be worshiped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), which will
have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great
tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s
trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the
Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the battle
of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies,
and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will
then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1000 years and He will rule His earthly
kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).
At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the great white throne judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21–22).
What is going to happen according to end times prophecy?
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“What
is the end times timeline?”
Pretribulational approach to eschatology.
From that perspective, here is the order of end-times events that the Bible
reveals:
1. The rapture of the church. Christ comes
in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). At this same
time, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected and taken to heaven, too. From
our perspective today, this is the next event in the eschatological timeline.
The rapture is imminent; no other
biblical prophecy needs to be fulfilled before the rapture happens.
2. The rise of the Antichrist. After the
church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8), a
satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by
another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that
requires worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20).
3. The tribulation. A period of seven years
in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s
rise to power is associated with this time period. During the tribulation
on earth, the Church will be in heaven. It is thought that at this time the
Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will occur in
heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6–10).
4. The Battle of Gog and Magog. In the
first part of the tribulation, a great army
from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the
Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural
intervention (Ezekiel 38–39). (Some commentators
place this battle just before the start of the tribulation.)
5. The abomination of desolation. At the
midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant
with Israel and shows his true colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them
turn to the Lord, realizing that Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution
breaks out against all those who believe in Christ (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17).
6. The Battle of Armageddon. At the end of
the tribulation, Jesus returns with the armies of heaven (Mark 14:62). He saves Jerusalem from
annihilation and defeats the armies of the nations fighting under the banner of
the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21). The Antichrist
and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).
7. The judgment of the nations. Christ will
judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the
wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46). (It is thought
that at this time the Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.) The
righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom; the wicked will be cast into hell.
8. The binding of Satan. Satan will be
bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).
9. The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Himself
will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a
1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices
will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48).
10. The last battle. At the end of the
1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time. He will
deceive the nations once again, and there will be a rebellion against the Lord
that will be quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be
cast into the lake of fire, never to reappear.
11. The Great White Throne Judgment. All
those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of
history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). The verdicts
are read, and all of sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire.
12. The new creation. God completely remakes the heavens and the earth. It is at this time that God wipes away all tears and there will be no more pain, death, or sorrow. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and the children of God will enjoy eternity with Him (Revelation 21–22).