Does our life as a Christian, at all and in any way, affect our eternal life in heaven? If it doesn't, how do we explain all those passages that seem to exhort Christians to obtain a better prize and a better inheritance? If it does, how do we explain the fact that our being in heaven is solely based on Christ's righteousness and not our own?
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Does our life as a Christian affect our life in heaven?
- Thread starter Pastor David
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glfredrick
New Member
Yes...
The Bible says it over and again, but some have spiritualized that aspect away with the thought that just getting there is enough.
The Bible says it over and again, but some have spiritualized that aspect away with the thought that just getting there is enough.
:thumbsup:
convicted1
Guest
Well, once I was saved, I was sign, sealed, delivered, I'm His. Nothing can ever change that. I am His for eternity. Now, if you are asking about differing rewards in heaven, I do not agree. I can find no where where someone's crown will be bigger than anyone else.
Does this verse suggest to you differing degrees in heaven?
"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." - Matt. 11:11
This is a good question.
When we get to heaven, will we be concerned about who has the greater reward? Will there be envy or pride in heaven? Don't we cast all our crowns at his feet? We will be changed and have a different outlook on things.
None of us are qualified to be there on our own merit, so why would we feel better than anyone else? Only by God's Grace and Mercy will any of us be in heaven.
Could our rewards be some sort of satisfaction about our efforts when we die?
When we get to heaven, will we be concerned about who has the greater reward? Will there be envy or pride in heaven? Don't we cast all our crowns at his feet? We will be changed and have a different outlook on things.
None of us are qualified to be there on our own merit, so why would we feel better than anyone else? Only by God's Grace and Mercy will any of us be in heaven.
Could our rewards be some sort of satisfaction about our efforts when we die?
I'm unsure what the implications are, but we are told on earth to lay up our treasures in heaven. We are told of heavenly rewards resulting from earthly service. Some who were faithful with five talents may rule over 10 cities and others may rule over two cities. When our works are tried some Christian's works will be completely burnt to ashes while others will have precious stones and jewels remaining from the examination by fire, etc. I believe the wise will be diligent in seeking and serving God while on earth, no matter what is to happen afterward.
glfredrick
New Member
There is a judgment for believers as well as for non-believers before the throne of our God and King. Rewards are given for godly service, but that service may be something other than what WE think it is based on God's absolute understanding of our heart attitudes.
When faced with the Just Judge, all of us will accept His reward or lack thereof, for it will be seen to be PERFECT with no cause for envy or greed, nor for boasting.
When faced with the Just Judge, all of us will accept His reward or lack thereof, for it will be seen to be PERFECT with no cause for envy or greed, nor for boasting.
There does seem to be some kind of distinction made between the Jew and the Christian, or between believers on earth as compared to believers in heaven. This passage implies there is something better or "greater" about those "in the kingdom of heaven" as compared to the "greatest among men on earth". The passage does not say John the Baptist was the greatest, however, but just that there were not any among men who were greater than him.
Another rather ambiguous or possibly hard to explain passage is Matt. 18:4,"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Consider the implications if even two of the Lord's disciples humbled themselves as a little child, can both then be the greatest in heaven? What if thousands followed the Lord's guidance and humbled themselves as a little child, are all of them the greatest?
I personally believe that the Lord Jesus is the One who humbled himself as a little child and is The Greatest in heaven, but we, as Christians, are partakers of that greatness when we also humble ourselves as little Children and receive the fullness of His Holy Spirit as we walk with Him on earth.
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convicted1
Guest
Well, Apostle Paul wrote that there was a crown of righteousness laid up for him in heaven. Not for him only, but for all who love His appearing. Apparently his crown won't be bigger, seeing that the same crown is laid up for us as well.
convicted1
Guest
When Jesus looks at His sheep, He will them you fed Me when I hungry, gave me to drink when I was thirsty, etc. Then He will tell them to come. That's the only reward I need. Come and dine at His table, and drink the new wine that He will serve one unworthy person He saved from their sins. That's the best reward any of us will get.
It would seem to me that as all those "Billy Grahams" of the world were blessed to preach as they did/do will be just as important as the dedicated one who taught Sunday School in the small rural Church.
Will Billy Graham be the equivalent of a Five Star General and me a Gunnery Sergeant? Will his mansion be bigger than mine? Could be but I don't really think so. If that were the case wouldn't the end result be based on works?
What could those "rewards" really be? I'll receive less rewards because I wasn't called and blessed with the ability to be a world renowned Preacher?
Will Billy Graham be the equivalent of a Five Star General and me a Gunnery Sergeant? Will his mansion be bigger than mine? Could be but I don't really think so. If that were the case wouldn't the end result be based on works?
What could those "rewards" really be? I'll receive less rewards because I wasn't called and blessed with the ability to be a world renowned Preacher?
I agree. I fully expect to discover at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the first time the extent of my own sin as a Christian and how I've caused hurt to others by that sin. I believe it will be after the judgment of Christ when He will wipe away our tears of remorse for having committed such sins because we were not seeking His face and walking with Him in humility as we should have. I believe all of us are unaware of the extent of our own sins on earth for our lack of spiritual maturity.
freeatlast
New Member
Absolutely! While all believers will enter in, all will not live at the same level of blessings. Some will enter in with nothing and some will have great rewards. Our existence in heaven is not a cookie cutter life.
1Cor 3:12-15
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Believe that it was Charles Stanley who compared getting to heaven and our good works to Heavenly being an auditorium with the heavenly chorus band...
person who made a 'death bed" conversion would get into last row in the chamber and enjoy the show, the more faithful that we were to God plan for our lives, closer row seating, and the closer that we get , more of the show get to enjoy!
Closer we get to front row, more of the ability to fully enjoy the show!
glfredrick
New Member
I don't really buy Stanley's illustration, not because I don't see distinctions in heaven, but rather because it is far too weak and paints a picture other than that which we see in Scripture.
Heaven or eternity to come once the Last Day has come and God's righteous judgments are complete will be a place where life goes on. There will be kings and commerce, roads and travel, music and worship, we will eat, we will know and be known, there will be animals and children, and at the center of all is God.
It is because of this "heavenly choir" aspect that Stanley and so many others paint that many Christians cling so hard to this worldly life. They are terrified that heaven will be one big (and everlastingly boring) church service. Then we work to drum up enthusiasm for that scenario, when in fact we don't really have much at all.
God said that He would create a new heaven and a new earth as part of His plan for eternity. We might take a few clues from His first creation, then realize that what God intended WILL come to pass. He cannot be thwarted! All this time of sin curse, suffering, loss, and pain will be nothing compared to the restoration of His glory as He always and first intended. That vision is TRULY something to cause enthusiasm and we will discover that we lack nothing we have here, save the pain and curse of sin and untruth.
This concept is everywhere within Scripture for those who can open their eyes to see. But instead, we key in on a couple passages and make that our complete vision. So wrong and so less than God plans.
I agree with what you are saying, was just using what he said to illustrate a point of the OP!
My point is that when we ALL stand before jesus and have Him do "this was your life", best part would be to here jesus say 'well done my good and faithful servant!" To have many crowns to cast down before his throne!
convicted1
Guest
We'd better get to "crackin'" so that our mansion and crown will be better than others.
I agree with you btw. This reeks of works gaining more prestige.
We'd better get to "crackin'" so that our mansion and crown will be better than others.
I agree with you btw. This reeks of works gaining more prestige.
God will be the judge over our quality of good works /service that we did while in this life for Him!
More faithful will get better rewarded by him...
I would tend to see this demonstrated among the Apsotles themselves...
12 chosen/called by Jesus, but JUST 3 in the "inner circle"
ALL equal in Apostleship/position, but 3 closer relationally to jesus!
That is what might be happening in heaven between us and God!