The concept of reward in the Christian faith is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, where it is presented as both a present reality and a future promise. The nature of our reward is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, eternal, and sometimes material aspects, all of which are grounded in the believer's relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently speaks of rewards as a motivation for righteous living and faithful service. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the blessings and rewards for those who live according to God's will. In Matthew 5:12 , Jesus encourages believers, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." This heavenly reward is often contrasted with earthly recognition, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal.

Spiritual Rewards

Spiritual rewards are often described in terms of growth in character and deeper communion with God. The Apostle Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 , which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are seen as rewards for living a life led by the Spirit, reflecting the transformative work of God in the believer's life.

Eternal Rewards

Eternal rewards are a significant theme in the New Testament, where they are often associated with the believer's faithfulness and perseverance. In 2 Timothy 4:8 , Paul writes, "From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing." This "crown of righteousness" symbolizes the ultimate reward of eternal life and righteousness bestowed upon those who have remained faithful.

The Book of Revelation also speaks of eternal rewards, using vivid imagery to describe the blessings awaiting the faithful. Revelation 22:12 records Jesus' promise: "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This underscores the personal and just nature of God's rewards, tailored to the life and deeds of each believer.

Material and Temporal Rewards

While the Bible primarily emphasizes spiritual and eternal rewards, it does not entirely dismiss the idea of material and temporal blessings. Proverbs 3:9-10 advises, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This suggests that God may choose to bless His people materially as they honor Him with their resources.

However, the New Testament often reorients the focus from material wealth to spiritual richness. In Matthew 6:19-20 , Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This teaching highlights the transient nature of earthly possessions compared to the enduring value of heavenly treasures.

The Role of Grace

It is essential to recognize that the rewards promised in Scripture are ultimately rooted in God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds believers, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." While rewards are given in response to faithfulness and obedience, they are not earned in a transactional sense but are gracious gifts from a loving God.

Conclusion

The nature of our reward, as presented in the Bible, is a profound and encouraging aspect of the Christian faith. It encompasses spiritual growth, eternal life, and sometimes material blessings, all grounded in the grace and promises of God. Believers are called to live faithfully, with the assurance that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).