Rewarded for Our Works or Our Salvation
If
anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be
also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor,” John 12:26
In
the Bible, the rewards for the believers are identified with five crowns in
total:
- the
Everlasting Crown (Victory) (1 Cor 9:24-27) - overcoming man's sinful nature
through our Lord Jesus
- the
Crown of the Soul Winner (Phil 4:1 and 1 Thess 2:19-20) - reaching out -
sharing the gospel (Matt 28:19)
- the
Crown of Righteousness (2 Tim 4:8) - longing for Jesus return
- the
Crown of Life (James 1:12, Rev 2:10) - enduring through trials
- the
Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4) - ministering to God’s people
These
crowns are awarded to us at the Bema Seat judgment which immediately followed
the return of our Redeemer for the saints known as an event called the rapture. I know, some of
you will stop reading right here, condemning and accusing me of heresies for
believing in the rapture, therefore discrediting the rest of this commentary. Let me be very clear, "expecting the return of our Lord Jesus before,
during or at the end of the time of Jacob’s trouble known as the great
tribulation is not a cause of losing our salvation." We are saved by believing
in our Lord and in His resurrection. We are not saved by believing in a certain
time of His return.
Here
is the description of one crown given by God’s righteous judgement:
The
Crown of Righteousness
“Finally,
there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to
all who have loved His appearing,” 2 Tim 4:8.
This special crown of righteousness that Paul is describing is for those who are anticipating Jesus’ return. They are the one who depends completely on the act of mercy and grace and understands that they will never measure up. Their desire is for the day when they would no longer sin, (John 12:25) and desire for the day when Jesus will return to take us out of this sinful world.
The crown of righteousness is for those who are disgusted with their sinful
nature and are disgusted toward a sinful world. Jesus has
overcome the world (John 16:33). As for us, our overcoming happens with Christ
through faith, (1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Peter 1:4).
“For
whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has
overcome the world, our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who
believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
This group of believers is watchful for the signs of His return. They pray
diligently for His soon return, “Let Thy Kingdom Come,” deliver us from evil
(the lies and the deceptions). If you are not looking forward to the day that
you will no longer sin, and don't desire His kingdom to come this crown will not be your reward. Additionally, if
you are not watchful for His return, you will be caught by surprise at Jesus
appearance;
“But
you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a
thief,” 1 Thess 5:4.
Salvation
by Works vs. Works for Rewards
Salvation
is available equally to every soul, no matter how sinful one might be as
written in (Romans 3:23, and John 3:16). It is available to the whole world. Only
one condition applies; you receive it by believing, an act of faith alone, trusting in Jesus
alone. Salvation is available to whoever believes in the Son of God whose name is Jesus and in His resurrection, (Romans 10:9) no matter when received in
their lifetime.
In
the book of Matthew in chapter twenty verses one to sixteen, The Parable of the
Workers in the Vineyard talk about receiving the same reward, which is
receiving salvation at any given time in someone's life, and that is when the
landlord (the Father) called us to follow Jesus. The labourers agreed with the
landowner for a denarius a day, which is a normal wage for a day’s work; the
wage represents eternal life. The act of agreeing is represented by the act of
faith. This parable has nothing to do with the doctrine of Lordship Salvation.
Eternal life is a gift received by accomplishing only one single act of faith,
which is believing, (John 6:29). Lordship Salvation adheres to the belief that
fruit must be produced to prove someone's salvation be true. This logic makes no
sense. Any kind of tree takes years to produce fruits, some more time than
others. It must first grow and must take root deep into the soil for good
nutrition. Good nutrition is God’s word. His words prepare us to produce
fruits. It is God the Father who draws
us to Jesus and teaches preparing us to be a steward for Christ, (Jn 6:44- 45,
6:65)
Therefore,
this parable represents working in the vineyard as going through life after
receiving salvation as agreed. Those called early have to bear the responsibility
of harvesting under the heat of the day, the life challenge of a Christian’s life,
(2 Cor 4:8). Those called late received the same gift, eternal life and bear
fewer burdens.
Verse
16, Jesus’ statement “So the last will be first, and the first last,” reflects
Jesus’ righteous judgement toward those who received salvation at the end of
their life. Take for instance the example of the criminal crucified adjacent to
Jesus in the book of Luke chapter 23, verse 42, who confessed that Jesus is
Lord and believed Jesus' testimony of the resurrection day, (Romans 10:9). It is
Jesus' way of saying that it doesn’t matter when you believed and accepted Jesus
as Lord in your life, you receive the same wage as anybody else who has
believed whenever during their lifetime - which is eternal life, (Eph 2:8-9).
If you think that Jesus is unfair as accused by the labourers called to work
early in the vineyard, take the argument to our Lord. After all, He makes the
rules, (1 Sam 3:18, and read the whole book of Job).
Although
by grace alone and by faith alone we are saved, by believing in the work of
Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection, we will be judged according to our
works accomplished for Him, (Eph 2:10, 2 Tim 2:20). We will receive either praise for
the good work done for Jesus or disapproval for the work that we assumed was
for Jesus but was not:
“For
we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.
According to the grace of God, which was given to me, as a wise master builder,
I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take
heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation
with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will
become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire;
and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it
endures, he will receive a reward,” 1 Cor 3:9-14.
Paul
explained that once saved on the foundation of Jesus, we would be given
accountability for the type of work, in which we added to His foundation. It
should be easy to understand now why the younger son, in the parable of the
lost son (Luke 15:11), had not been reinstated at the same level of stewardship
as his older brother. His works were tested and destroyed by fire, yet he is
still part of the family. Our works are also being tested. In (1 Cor 3:9-14),
Paul wrote about receiving rewards for the works accomplished for Jesus. In our
lifetime, works assumed for our Lord Jesus are destroyed by fire. We will be
part of the family of God, but we will not be receiving a crown, or a level of
governance as a reward. You won’t be able to blame your minister for not
receiving your reward. That was a choice - you refused to believe and to follow
Jesus's instructions. Ministers do not have authority over you, (Matt 20:25-26).
Ministers, pastors, and priests are teachers, (James 3:1, 2 Tim 4:3), and
everybody will be accountable for his/her work and will be rewarded
accordingly. Take the analogy of my college teacher who prepared me for my
career - I am responsible for applying what I was taught.
“This
is a faithful saying:
For
if we died with Him, We
shall also live with Him. If
we endure, We
shall also reign with Him. If
we deny Him, He
also will deny us. If
we are faithless, He
remains faithful; He
cannot deny Himself,” 2 Tim 2:11-13
“So,
then each of us shall give account of himself to God,” Rom 14:12.
In
(Rom 14:12), Paul is addressing believers in Rome; therefore, Paul is not
teaching about salvation, but about receiving rewards. It is so important that
you test all things, by questioning all that is being taught to you, (1 Thess
5:21, 1 John 4:1). There is no excuse. We have the Bible resources available to
cross-reference any minister’s teaching. We do not live in the Dark Ages when a
single church had control over their population by teaching a doctrine of man
as a substitute, (1 Tim 1:5-72, Tim 3:10-11). You will be given accountability
with no one to represent you. Jesus warned us not to be deceived, (Matt 24:5).
There are so many who chose to stay with the traditional church of their youth
without questioning. Test all doctrines
and principalities taught, (1 Thess 5:21, 1 John 4:1). Judgement is worst when
we’re told and don’t heed His instructions just because it is not popular
to do so.
All
denominations live by a specific Statement of Belief, a creed anchored, and
unmovable, which most of them have not been reviewed for decades. Do you not understand that we are called to
grow in knowledge (2 Pet 3:18, Col 2:19) and that understanding never ceases to
increase (Prov 1:5)? These unchallenged and unrevised Statements of Belief only
cause division and stir up mistrust between Christians who accuse each other
of a false teacher. We make Satan's job so easy by creating discord among
ourselves isn’t … go figure. Personally,
I view these various Statements of Belief as similar to grade school standards,
from grade one to the level of a university master's degree, - from milk to solid
food, (Heb 5:12, 1 Cor 3:2).
Let
me use the analogy of an old-fashioned 1st-century classroom format. There were
12 grades in one building/one room. The teacher had the responsibility to teach
all grades in one day. When the teacher instructs grade 12 students, the
subject taught goes over the heads of the lower-grade students. When the teacher
instructs grade one level students, the students of grade 12 were bored to
death. That is what preachers or ministers are facing today, many attendees are
stuck in grade one, satisfied with the gospel of God’s grace preached every
Sunday and refuse to move on to the next level, hindering the minister and
student with a higher interest in progress in knowledge and understanding. Blessed
are those denominations who offer Bible study after regular worship hours and
blessed are those who live in this present era of the internet where anyone
interested in advancing in knowledge has the opportunity to do so.
Paul
used the Olympics as an analogy and explained to the Corinthians that once they
qualified to run, they ran to win a medal. Jesus is the one who qualified us to
take part in the race through believing in His death and resurrection;
therefore, we do not run to keep our salvation; we run for rewards, medals, and
crowns.
“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.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now
they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown," 1
Cor 9:24-25.
“Behold,
I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown,”
Rev 3:11.
“They
will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit
down in the kingdom of God. And indeed,
there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last,” Luke
13:29-30
How
many of you have ever run in a long-distance race either in a provincial or state
competition or even a nation Olympic? Athletes come from the east, the west,
from the north and the south within a nation.
In a 10,000-metre race, all runners line up evenly at the starting
line. At the starting pistol sound, the race is on its way. All take a
strategic position to minimize energy to maximize endurance. The one with less
endurance will fall back giving way not necessarily to the stronger but to the
one that can endure the pain of burning muscles. As the finish line approaches,
the leading runners will give a final sprint, an all-out dash – all focus on the
finishing line. Lungs on fire, dry throat accompanied by excruciating muscle
pain… the body crying out to stop…
“And
so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise, Heb 6:15
“If
anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward, 1 Cor
3:14
“…bears
all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” 1 Cor
13:7
“But
you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” 2 Tim 4:5
Minister,
elders, teachers, students of God’s word, and Christians from the four corners
of the world, Paul admonished us to run in such a way that we may obtain the
prize, the reward, an imperishable crown. Run with endurance. It will happen
that some will not endure and will slow down… it’s OK! Even the best athlete
such as The Apostle Paul had his moment of weakness.
“For,
in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer
tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your
faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be
in vain,” 1 Thess 3:4-5
These
moments of weakness in our lives are only a reminder that it is through Christ
that we can do all things, (Phil 4:13).
I
experienced such a moment of enduring excruciating muscle pain by
participating in a race. I was in fifth grade. God started to teach me a life
lesson at a very young age. Our school didn’t have a track & field. The
race track was two times around the schoolyard. A shed was at the outer limit of the field that
runners needed to go around before heading back to the starting/finishing line.
For an unknown reason then, but revealed later, God made His presence known at
that event. I was not interested in participating. My intent was just to go
along, and paste myself to the finishing line, not interested to win. I could hear
God motivated me to give my all. I respond back with all kinds of excuses not
to. Coming around the shed on the last laps, I remember making a riposte saying
to God that the two runners ahead of me had too much of a lead and besides I was tired. That when I perceived hearing in my heart Him saying… “Go for it… you
can do it…” I complied and gave my all without understanding what was
happening, (Phil 2:12-13). I ran and ran with all I had -
approaching the second runner who picked up speed as I gained on him. He gave
his all, and from head to head I gradually took the lead fast approaching the leading
runner. At my sight, the runner took off with powerful leaps… side by side the
finishing line on-site… aching muscle, and lungs on fire, I could no longer
endure, I was ready to quit... and just as I was about to, … the adjacent
runner slowed down giving me the final drive to run to the finishing line. My
teacher and fellow students were stunned by my accomplishment, but frankly, not
as stunned as I was. Now, I’ve learned that with God all things are possible,”
(Matthew 19:26), yet I kept it as a secret for a long time. Never in my mind, I
would be using this lesson as an analogy to God’s coaching lesson. When the
going got tough in my life and felt like quitting, this lesson came to mind.
“I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Phil 4:13
Salvation vs. Rewards
Earning
crowns has nothing to do with keeping our salvation. You could lose your crown
but never your salvation. Have no fear of losing your salvation as some do.
That is very unfortunate, that so many fears of losing it. Backsliding,
Lordship Salvation is false theologies.
“My
sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand,”
John 10:27-29.
“they
shall never perish” means “never”. If you do not believe that Jesus and the
Father are responsible for keeping you from losing your salvation even though
struggling in your old sinful habits, you are making a liar out of Jesus.
Either you’re saved, or you are not. However, once saved you’re always saved.
If you have a problem letting go of your sinful habit, you are hindering God’s blessing and you will be under God’s loving correction - called tough love until you come to realize that your sinful ways were a total waste
of time while you could have been bearing fruit instead. I know, didn’t I tell
you that I shared what I needed to learn. The fear of losing your salvation and
working to keep it is dead work. That is not good stewardship. If I were you, I
would seriously question the gospel that you had received, (2 Tim 2:8).
“No
one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise
him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be
taught by God.’ Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father
comes to Me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He
has seen the Father. Most assuredly, I
say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life,” John 6:44-47
Not
everyone comes to the Father and willingly learns from Him. Especially of those
in the Christian religious authority. As it was with the Pharisees, Sadducees
and priests who reject Jesus’ authority and so it is today from ministries who turn
the inerrancy of God's words to hermeneutics for profit. Isn’t that what the
Pharisees, the Sadducees and the priests were doing, adding to the law for
profit (Matt 15:5) - for their personal gain, holding on to dear life their
religious statues.
“And
indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”
Luke 13:30
In this context, Jesus was answering a villager who asked, “Lord, are there few
who are saved?” (Luke 13:23). This verse is different than the one in Matthew
20:16 where Jesus mentions “So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Most of all the theologians will agree that when studying a verse, a student
must take the verse within the context. In this case, the context of Luke 17:30
is not about receiving salvation which is equal pay received and agreed with
the vineyard master. We recalled that the last workers called late in the day to
work in the vineyard were first on the lineup to receive their wages, and the
first workers called early in the day were the last to receive their agreed
waves, which is salvation.
The wording in Luke 17:30 is very different, let me read it in context;
“And
indeed there are last in the chain of command (in a position of authority) who
will be first (in the kingdom of God), and there are first in the chain of
command (position of authority) who will be the last (in the kingdom of God).”
In
verse twenty-four Jesus made the most astounding revelation, the secret of how
to receive eternal life; “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” That was not a parable, that was an analogy
representing the truth… it is Jesus' way of reminding us that there is only one way,
one truth, one life and it is all directed to Jesus Son of God. No one comes to
the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
How
do I know that Jesus was talking about the religious authority of His time and
the one in the Church era to come, in Luke 13:30? Jesus explained it in verses
twenty-five to twenty-seven;
“When
once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to
stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He
will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank
in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know
you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.”
Many
will relate this comment to be meant toward the Jews at the end of the seven
years of Judah's trouble who missed out on their salvation. I view a different version… you be the judge
of the accuracy.
In
this context whether it took place in the time of Jesus' ministry or today’s
ministry, it is all about religious authorities who are saying all the right
things to those who have itching ears ( 2 Tim 4:3) for personal gain such as
security of employment, yet lost the love of the truth and rejecting the power
thereof it. The most prominent theology that is preached nowadays is the
prosperity gospel. Ministers heal for money, prophesy for money, cast demons
and do many wonders in Jesus' name for money. Many ministries produce
entertainment with all kinds of music, and light shows for a profit. Jesus explained in Matt 7:15-23 the same
concept of Luke 13:30. They are all a
distraction from the truth.
“Beware
of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are
ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from
thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even
so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a
bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree
that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits, you will know them."
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in
heaven. Many will say to Me in that day,
‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name?’ And
then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who
practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:15-23
Why
are they not following the example of Peter who heals without asking in return:
“Then
Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” Acts 3:6
What
is the end result? Let Jesus explain in Luke 13:28;
“There
will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.”
Another word for thrust-out is obtruded, wish means to extrude without warrant or request. For many, it will come as a big surprise. They will realize that they miss out on the
rewards, and the consequence is that they will become last in the level of authority within the kingdom of
God. Probably at the bottom of the pyramid with no authority. (Luke 13:30)
describes Jesus warning to those in authority to teach according to His word.
Let us review what evidence is required to be saved. We all agree that it is
through faith alone, by God’s grace alone and Christ alone that we receive
salvation, not by works isn’t it?
Some
will quote (James 2:17) “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works,
is dead,” as evidence of not being saved, yet, omit to explain what kind of
work James was talking about. Are the works defined as being a good steward in
the calling of Jesus’ ministry?
“Most
assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do
also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father,” John
14:12
Isn’t
faith that produces work and not the other way around, work that produces faith?
Work is a by-product of our faith. As
pointed out in 1 Thess 1:3:
“We
remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour
prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus
Christ.”
The
works are defined as being light on the lampstand (Luke 11:33) and representing the salt of the earth,(Matt 5:13).
The evidence of good works is founded by the rules of good stewardship taught
by Jesus.
Since
the evidence of our salvation is faith alone, the evidence of our good works
will be shown only at the Bema seat of judgment as rewards.
“Behold,
I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he
shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of
the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My
God. And I will write on him My new name,” Rev 3:11-12.
Look
at the BIG picture: we are to reign with Jesus for eternity. We read in (Ex
13:21-22), that a pillar is the symbol of God's righteous authority and
leadership. God leads His people Israel through the wilderness as a pillar of
fire by night and of clouds by day. Those
who are steadfast in obedience to God’s words and instructions, like Jacob, Moses,
Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, the prophets, all the disciples and much more show a
good example of Godly leadership, (Ps 99). They were not born leaders, they
were taught and prepared by God for His purpose. They became God’s leaders by
many acts of obedience to His instructions. That is our destiny, and our
inheritance, to become kings and priests. The Church is a pillar, (1 Tim 3:15).
Salvation is only the beginning of a wonderful life of ruling the earth with
Jesus for a thousand years followed by an eternal reign in the presence of our
Father on a New Earth, (Rev 21:1-4)
As
it is written:
“and
has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion
forever and ever. Amen,” Rev 1:6.
“And
have made us kings and priests to our God, And we shall reign on the earth,”
Rev 5:10.
“Listen,
my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in
faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” James
2:5.
The
one thousand years reign with Jesus, King of kings, on earth is only the
beginning. Our destiny is to reign over God’s dominion for Eternity. That is
the intent of the parable of the unjust steward in the Book of Luke chapter
sixteen. It is to prepare our minds now for our inheritance. In Jesus' own
words, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand,” which means setting your mind on
what is coming.
You are already in the Kingdom of God;
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," Colossians 1:13-14
