The concept of divine reward is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's justice, grace, and faithfulness. God's rewards are both temporal and eternal, encompassing blessings in this life and promises of eternal life in the hereafter. These rewards are not earned by human merit but are given by God's grace to those who live in faith and obedience.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents God's rewards as a response to faithfulness and righteousness. In the Old Testament, rewards are often depicted in terms of material blessings and prosperity. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , God promises Israel that if they diligently obey His commandments, He will set them high above all nations and bless them abundantly. Similarly, Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward."

In the New Testament, the focus shifts more towards spiritual and eternal rewards. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizes the heavenly rewards for those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake: "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12). The Apostle Paul also speaks of an incorruptible crown for those who run the race of faith with perseverance (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Nature and Characteristics

1. Grace-Based: God's rewards are ultimately rooted in His grace. While human effort and obedience are important, they are not the basis for earning God's favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation—and by extension, the rewards of salvation—is a gift of God, not a result of works.

2. Conditional: Many of God's promises of reward are conditional upon obedience and faithfulness. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

3. Eternal Perspective: The New Testament frequently emphasizes the eternal nature of God's rewards. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 , Paul writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." This eternal perspective encourages believers to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones (Matthew 6:19-20).

4. Diverse and Personal: God's rewards are diverse, reflecting His intimate knowledge of each believer. In Revelation 22:12 , Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This suggests a personalized aspect to divine rewards, tailored to the life and service of each individual.

5. Motivational: The promise of reward serves as a motivation for believers to persevere in faith and good works. Hebrews 10:35-36 encourages believers not to throw away their confidence, which has a great reward, and to persevere so that they may receive what God has promised.

Examples of Rewards

· Temporal Blessings: In the Old Testament, obedience often resulted in tangible blessings such as land, prosperity, and peace (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
· Spiritual Growth: Believers experience spiritual rewards such as peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with God (Philippians 4:7).
· Eternal Life: The ultimate reward for believers is eternal life with God, as promised in John 3:16 and Romans 6:23 .
· Crowns and Honors: The New Testament speaks of various crowns as rewards for faithfulness, such as the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) and the crown of life (James 1:12).

In summary, the nature of God's rewards is multifaceted, encompassing both present and future blessings, and is deeply rooted in His character and promises. These rewards serve to encourage and sustain believers in their spiritual journey, reminding them of the eternal inheritance that awaits.