The lowest reward level in heaven is precious stones (plural) which corresponds with good works here on earth, the lowest level of activity required by the saints. Let’s see if it’s possible to break down the classification of heavenly rewards into something easier to understand. As disciples of Christ we are to witness the gospel of Christ to all the world and do good works so that men may see the light of God in our actions and be drawn to the truth of God. How faithful we are to the Word of God and the flock of God.Īfter believers have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior they’re left on the earth to do the work of God. How much the doctrine of the rapture means to us.ġ2. How many souls we witness to and win to Christ.ġ1. How effectively we control the old nature.ĩ. How we run that particular race which God has chosen for us.Ĩ.

How we exercise our authority over others.ģ. There is a general consensus among Bible scholars that there are twelve areas of conduct that God is interested in that will most likely result in heavenly rewards of some kind:Ģ. God does not tell us explicitly what constitutes a work worthy of a reward so we must look for clues in the Bible to help us figure it out. Only works classified as gold, silver or precious stones will receive a reward. Works deemed to be wood, hay and stubble are destructible and worthless objects which will be burned up in the fire. Works deemed to be gold, silver or precious stones are indestructible and worthy objects which will survive the fire. God classifies the works of believers into one of six areas: gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and stubble. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.Ģ Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Romans 14:10-12 – But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. All believers in heaven will have to go through this bema judgment ceremony so start preparing for it now. The Olympic medal ceremony will pale in comparison to the glory and majesty of the heavenly rewards ceremony. Millions of angels in heaven will also be watching as you receive your reward.

The eyes of all the saints in heaven will be on you during your 15 minutes of fame. The gaze of Christ will pierce your soul.

Your name will be called to step forward in front of Jesus. However, eternal rewards in heaven will be based on works done on earth. Eternity in heaven is secure for all believers because salvation is by faith and not works. Some time after that event all believers in heaven will be required to assemble so they can stand before the bema judgment seat of Christ to receive their reward for works done in the body from the moment of salvation until they entered heaven. At that point, all of the saints (the church) will be in heaven. At the rapture Jesus will call all living believers to meet him in the air in their resurrection bodies before taking us back to heaven with him. When believers die their spirit will immediately go to heaven to be with the Lord. Hebrews 12:1 – Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. If you’re a Christian believer who has accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior then you too will experience a thrill similar to that of an Olympic champion, only much better.ġ Corinthians 9:24-25 – Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. You are the best in the world and you’ve just received your reward for all the sacrifice, training and hard work you put into it. Flags are flying, cameras are flashing and the national anthem is playing as the gold medal is placed around your neck. Around the world millions more are watching you on television. You mount the podium inside the stadium with 100,000 people cheering for you. Have you ever fantasized what it would feel like to be an Olympic champion? Just imagine yourself winning your race in whatever sport is your passion.

The bema judgment seat of christ