The “I’m Coming Back” Series: You Must Be Born Again – To Thrive in His Kingdom … Now
June 12, 2025
Conclusion: The “I’m Coming Back” Series: Boaz Hits the Jackpot – And so can you
June 26, 2025
The “I’m Coming Back” Series: Here Matters There
Jesus made four statements we want to be sure not to miss:
- I am coming back
- Only a few
- You must be born again
- Here matters there
Today: Here Matters There
Jesus made it clear there is a reward system in eternity, both Heaven and Hell. My dear sweet mother did not like this idea. To her it seemed, well, unseemly, to have this “competition.” I agree, but Jesus makes it clear there is in fact a reward system.
So let’s dive in.
Prizes!
Heavenly Rewards
“And the winner of the grand prize is … Sam Hunter!”
I was speaking at a youth function and at the beginning of the meeting prizes were being given out – you know, to create enthusiasm and excitement. When they called my name I have to admit I felt a little zip of a thrill. Don’t we all have that little child inside that still likes prizes?
Jesus had a lot to say about prizes. He called them rewards:
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and
then he will reward each person according to what he has done. (Matthew
16:27)
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone
according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12)
Can Jesus be more clear than that? But there is more:
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds
of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your
reward in heaven… (Matthew 5:11-12)
Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.
If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. … But when
you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what
is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4 Bold added)
Now, obviously, any activities undertaken with the intent of gaining Heavenly rewards defeat the purpose. And if you are saying to yourself, “Well, whatever, I’ll just be glad to get into heaven,” then consider that Jesus must want us to know about his reward system.
It must matter to him. So, shouldn’t it matter to us, too? The particular application to your life is yours to figure out, with Jesus. But I do encourage you to start the figuring out, because it will change your life here, and there.
By the way, being the semi-pro Christian that I am, and a semi, almost adult, I insisted that the prize be given to one of the kids. Aren’t I just so great! Oops, lost that reward.
Next Week: Boaz Hits the Jackpot! And so can you.
Below are most of the passages that talk about rewards, for those of you who may want to do a deep dive.
Rewards
1 Peter 1:7 Luke 18:8 Hebrews 11:6
Matthew 5:11&12 Great is your reward . . . (misthos – wages)
Matthew 5:19 Called least & great in the Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 6 Received their reward in full
Matthew 16:27 He will reward each person according to what he has done
Matthew 19:21 Treasures in heaven
Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to according to what he has done.
Mark 9:41 will certainly not lose his reward
Luke 14:14 will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous
Phil 4:17 may be credited to your account (Greek: “apodidomai” give back in return – to reimburse)
More passages: Revelation 14:13
Colossians 3:24 Jeremiah 17:10 Romans 2:6 1 Peter 1:7 Hebrews 10:35 James 1:12
2 John 1:8 2 Peter 1:10-11 Philippians 3:14 / 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Prize
Reverse Rewards / Punishment in Hell
Matthew 10:15 More bearable . . .
Matthew 11:20 Woe to you . . .
Luke 12:47 Beaten with fewer blows
Luke 20:47 Punished most severely
James 3:1 Teachers judged more strictly
Judgment Seat:
Of Christians: Of the Lost:
2 Corinthians 5:10 Revelation 20:11-15
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
1 Peter 1:17 Hebrews 4:13 Romans 2:6, 16 1 Corinthians 4:5
1 Peter 1:7 Luke 18:8 Hebrews 11:6
