| Author | Message | ||
| Jlondon81 Registered user Username: Jlondon81 Post Number: 24 Registered: 6-2004 |
I need some help on a question my wife posed to me last night and really, it's one I've had for awhile too. When it comes to the finality of the cross and the reality of the resurrection, there is no doubt in my mind about what Jesus did for us regarding sin. He completely dealt with the issue of sin forever at the cross, once for all. We are not going to be judged based on sin but based on what we choose to do about Jesus. We are saved by believing Him and He gives us the faith to do so. These are things that are solid beliefs for me, no question. In that light, how do we reconcile with statements from Paul about being rewarded in heaven based on our deeds, or punished for the same? (Honestly, I cannot remember the references, so if someone can help me out with that, that'd be a great start. Please post the text in any replies.) I've learned to think things through logically when it comes to those types of questions and I backtrack to what I know is truth. Truth is, Christ has dealt with the sin issue. We are not judged based on our deeds for salvation because they would never measure up. So logically, these statements cannot be referring to salvation. But Paul also talks about us receiving crowns in heaven, according to our deeds. Is this one of those vague topics that we just aren't supposed to know about until we get there? I don't know. If anyone can help by shedding some light on this topic for me, it'd be much appreciated. Thanks, Joel | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 4189 Registered: 9-2006  |
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Corinthians II 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Corinthians I 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. Corinthians I 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. Corinthians I 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Hope that helps. | ||
| Indy4now Registered user Username: Indy4now Post Number: 402 Registered: 2-2008 |
I think that something you may find interesting to do is to do a word search on "reward" in the NT. I did this a while ago. As an Adventist, I had always understood that our reward for our deeds AND believing Christ is our salvation. As you wrote, our salvation comes from believing and trusting in Jesus ONLY. We will have to give an account before the judgment seat of Christ. He will reward us according to what we've done. The Bible doesn't state what these rewards are. There are mention of receiving crowns as a reward. What I found most interesting is that there is not one reference of us receiving a reward for how well we keep the law or 10 commandments. ~vivian | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 9404 Registered: 12-2003  |
Yes, Vivian. The judgment "for rewards" is talked about fairly often in the NT. It's not a concept Adventists are taught—we were taught that the reward mentioned was salvation. But Salvation is a free gift. Rewards have to do with what we did in the Spirit as born-again believers, and unbelievers will, apparently, reap consequences in hell for their deeds. While it is never explicit, there is a suggestion that just as there are varying rewards for those enjoying eternal life, there are degrees of "punishment"—or consequences—in hell. Salvation is entirely a gift of God. Rewards are what we experience for our obedience to (or disobedience to) the Holy Spirit and His work that He brings to us. Colleen | ||
| 8thday Registered user Username: 8thday Post Number: 698 Registered: 11-2007  |
Reminds me of a song In the words of Keith Green.. "Nothing you have done will remain... only what you do for Me." | ||
| Jlondon81 Registered user Username: Jlondon81 Post Number: 25 Registered: 6-2004 |
Thanks to everyone who responded. This is about the same thought process I had, but it's nice to know other believers view it the same way. When it comes to "good deeds" as Christians, I am brought back to the vine and branches illustration Christ gave us. Not only does He give us the faith to be saved, but He provides the works through us. We are His branches, and just like a vine or a tree, the branch cannot bear anything unless it gets its supply from the vine or trunk. It seems to me that the criteria for these rewards are not mentioned, so ultimately it would be God who decides. Besides, if we were given the criteria, then it would just be another thing for man to try and fail miserably at, trying to please our Father to gain some reward. (For a good illustration of the vine/branches analogy, do a web search for the biological makeup of trees and plants. Understanding how trees and plants actually work totally helped me see what Jesus was talking about in a new light.) Joel (Message edited by jlondon81 on February 18, 2009) | ||
| Indy4now Registered user Username: Indy4now Post Number: 405 Registered: 2-2008 |
Hi Joel~ It's been awhile since I've done that word study on "rewards"... the word "reward(s)" is mentioned some 15-20 in the NT. There are some criteria mentioned... although I believe that the only true way for us to fulfill that criteria is to have the Holy Spirit working through us... otherwise it becomes our own work. Which you are right... we would fail at miserably. Clay Peck had an excellent sermon about this very topic. You can e-mail him at Grace Place. He'll direct you from there either with sermon notes or the sermon. As I mentioned above, I didn't find one reference to receiving a reward for how well we keep the 10 commandments or law. ~vivian |
