Rewards in heaven

I Corinthians 3:13-15 (NASB)

Each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.  If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.  

Salvation is based on faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), but on judgment day every Christian will be judged on his/her works as a Christian.  Notice that the word “work” (‘ergo’ in Greek; in physics, an erg is a unit of work or energy) is stated four times in these three verses.  Just as James 2:26 says that faith without works is dead, this passage clearly says that the type and extent of work defines the quality of faith that each Christian performed while on earth.  All professing Christians are saved (read the last verse again although some do argue that it is possible for a Christian to lose his/her salvation), but not all Christians will be rewarded on judgment day. 

Fire is used as the judgment tool that will test the quality of each Christian’s work.  We know that fire both destroys and purifies.  We use fire in our daily lives to cook, to keep us warm, to get rid of what we don’t need anymore.  Biblically, fire has a purging and cleansing effect just as fire will refine precious metals.  God used fire to destroy the evil Sodom and Gommorah (Genesis 19:24).  He will use fire to destroy earth someday (II Peter 3:8).  On judgment day our works will be judged by fire.  Good works will survive the fire and worthless works will be burned up.  Each Christian will be rewarded for good works and suffer great loss for worthless works. 

What kind of works (wood, hay, straw in verse 12) will be destroyed by God’s fire?  Works based on wrong motives, works resulting in selfish gain, evil conduct, refusing to serve and help others, what the Word of God teaches against.

What kind of works will not be burned up (gold, silver, precious stones) and will result in rewards?  Any work that was based on the foundation of Jesus Christ (see verse 11).  Any work based on hospitality, humble love, honesty, patience, putting others before yourself.  Works that built others up (see verse 10), works that planted seeds for others’ salvation, works that emphasized right motives toward Christ, service to Him and others.  God will judge you on the basis of what He has given you and what you have done with His gifts. 

This passage (and others) strongly suggests that people are not going to enjoy heaven to the same degree.  Charles Stanley has taught that rewards will be related to position, privilege, and pleasure in heaven.  What is the quality of your works so far?  What can you do to improve and increase the quality of your works?  Ask God for His forgiveness and His help as you seek Him and His ways to build up treasures in heaven and eventual rewards for good works that can endure the test of fire on judgment day.  Be thankful that you realize these truths now before it’s too late.