SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SALVATION and REWARDS
Some people misunderstand the differences between rewards and salvation. Have you ever heard someone say after a death, "He has gone on to his reward," as if going to heaven was a reward? If someone dies and goes to heaven, going on to a reward may or may not be the case. It is possible to go to heaven without earning any rewards.
A. One difference between salvation and rewards is one is a gift while the other is earned.
1. Salvation is the gift of God, without personal merit or work required for one's receiving it.
NOTE: It is wholly by the grace of God, without works.
Romans 4:4-6; 6:23; 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5
2. Rewards are granted solely upon the basis of one's personal works of faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 3:8; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12
B. Another difference between salvation and rewards, one is spoken of as a present possession and the other as being future.
1. Salvation is spoken as a present possession in this life for every, believer.
Ephesians 2:8; Luke 7:50; Acts 13:39; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 5:11-12
2. Rewards are spoken of as being given in the future.
Luke 6:35; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12
C. Still another difference between salvation and rewards is one cannot be lost and the other can.
1. Salvation cannot be lost. One will never be lost after he is saved.
1 Corinthians 3:15; John 5:24; 10:27-29
2. Rewards can be lost, 2 John 8; 1 John 2:28.
Most do not understand salvation is in Jesus Christ and Him alone. Even the most known verse of Scripture in the Bible, John 3:16, simplifies the teaching how a person can receive eternal life - believing on Jesus Christ. Of course this believing is more than just an acknowledgment of His existence, but an acceptance of who He is, what He has done, and allowing Jesus Christ to be who He really is Savior, and Lord.
Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins? Will you call upon Jesus to be your Savior and Lord? Will you give yourself to Him and trust Him alone to give you eternal life?
Now, to earn rewards in heaven, do your living best to obey Jesus Christ and follow the principles of the Holy Bible.
