Christians often misunderstand what Scripture teaches about heavenly rewards. We misconstrue them as something earned by our works or doled out in greater or lesser degrees, depending on how faithful we were in this life. The goal of this article is to show that these beliefs don’t accord with Scripture. We need to lay aside ideas of comparison and reject absolutely any idea that once saved by faith apart from works that our obedience then becomes instrumental for earning rewards.
So what does Scripture teach about rewards in heaven?
DOESN’T JESUS TALK ABOUT EARNING REWARDS?
The Gospels, particularly Matthew and Luke, include several examples of Jesus teaching about heavenly rewards, but not in the sense of earning extra rewards. Jesus never contrasts different amounts of heavenly rewards for those who inherit God’s kingdom. Instead he contrasts inheriting the kingdom of this world with God’s kingdom. Let’s consider a few examples.
“You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven” (Matt 5:11 –12).
The great reward, heaven, is absolute. The idea of greater rewards among those blessed in the Kingdom works against
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