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Are we rewarded for our works? |
Adventist are often accused of believing we are saved by works -- which we don't believe, of
course. However, according to Scripture, works do play an important role in our eternal reward.
Consider these verses:
First Corinthians 3:13-15 is one of the few passages which deals with all three -- the gift, the
reward, and the Judgement.
A study of these verses may change our views of faith, works, and
the Judgement. Faith is well accepted in Christianity. But works
and the Judgement often get bad press -- bad press they should not receive.
If these verses mean anything, they clearly mean that the saved will receive
a reward and that reward is allocated in the Judgement. This makes the
Judgement something to look forward to. And it makes good works something
which should decorate our lives. Author: Phil Ward.
"Look, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to
everyone according to their works." -- Revelation 22:12
"The Son of man will come in his Father's glory, with his angels. Then
he will reward everyone according to their works." -- Matthew 16:27
These verses make works seem very important. They say that we actually receive
a reward based on works. So how do we reconcile this with the fact that
eternal life is given to us by faith without works?
By grace we are saved, through faith. It is not from yourselves. It is a
gift from God. It is not from works, so that no one can boast." -- Ephesians 2:8-9
Could I suggest a solution to these two sets of apparently-conflicting verses?
My solution is this. One set of verses is talking about a gift. The other
is talking about a reward. They are two different things.
Note clearly that eternal life is never called a "reward." It is a "gift." However, some of those
who receive the gift will also receive a reward. In other words, all the saved receive eternal life,
but there is also a reward. All live forever, but some receive something more."Every [Christian's] work will become visible, for the [Judgement] Day will disclose it.
It will be revealed by fire. The fire will test what everyone's work is like. If what has been built
on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the
builder will suffer loss, although the builder will be saved."
Both individuals in this illustration are saved (verses 14 and 15). However, one receives a reward
(verse 14) which the other does not (verse 15). That reward is allocated in the Judgement (verse
13) based on works (verses 13, 14 and 15).
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