Great Doctrines of the Bible
Lesson 31
Salvation and Rewards

Introduction
Some time ago a very sincere Christian went home to be with the Lord. He was a man of humble disposition and sterling character. As he was laid to rest, a friend was heard to say, “Well, if he doesn’t make it to heaven, there is no hope for me.”
This statement reveals a widely held concept that heaven is only for those who attain it. Heaven, it is claimed, is won or lost depending upon how meritoriously one lives.

Is heaven a reward for those who live in a deserving way or is it part of God’s great salvation freely offered to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? If heaven is part of the free gift of God’s grace, what are the rewards held out to the believer and how are they won?

The purpose of this lesson is to answer these questions and to clearly define the differences between salvation and rewards. This lesson is not particularly concerned with the numerous earthly benefits or rewards derived from living a godly life. We simply wish to show that while salvation and heaven are gifts of God’s amazing grace, future rewards are attainable and can be won by any believer.

Importance of this Lesson

• Salvation from sin is either something that can be attained by righteous living or it must be a free gift of God’s grace. In Romans 4:4, the apostle Paul wrote, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”
• If you could meet certain standards, keep certain laws and be sufficiently holy, God would be in YOUR debt. He would OWE YOU salvation!
• Ephesians 2:9 clearly states that salvation is “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” In contrast, the apostle taught that we strive to obtain an incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:25). Rewards for the believer are evidently set forth in scripture as a future attainment.
• It is imperative that every sincere Bible student learns to differentiate between faith and works, law and grace and salvation and rewards. While salvation is offered to all men as a gift of grace with no regard for human merit, millions of professing Christians live in fear and uncertainty feeling that because they have not measured up to or attained and maintained a certain degree of holiness, they might not attain either salvation or heaven.
• It is our hope and desire that this lesson will settle this matter for you so that you can rest securely in a finished redemption obtained entirely by the grace of God.

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The Lesson

I. WHAT IS SALVATION?

1. Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel of Christ. It embraces all the doctrines related to our deliverance from sin such as redemption, justification, sanctification, forgiveness, propitiation, imputation, reconciliation, adoption, etc.
2. The word for salvation is soteria, which basically means deliverance and preservation. The adjective is soterios denoting “saving” or “bringing salvation.”
3. Salvation is used in a variety of ways in scripture.
   1. To designate Christ as “the author of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9) and Savior of sinners (Luke 2:30; 19:10).
   2. To describe deliverance over evident dangers and enemies. “...stand still and see the salvation of the Lord...” (Exodus 14:13).
   3. To identify the gospel. In Ephesians 1:13, Paul writes of “the gospel of your salvation,” meaning that the gospel is the “good news” of your complete deliverance from the power and condemnation of sin.
   4. To affirm that “in Christ,” is the only way to be saved (Acts 4:12), “Neither is there salvation in any other.…”
   5. To witness that it is brought down to us by the grace of God (Titus 2:11), “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation....”
   6. To demonstrate that it is produced through the preaching or hearing of the gospel (Romans 1:16), “...the gospel...is the power of God unto salvation.…”
   7. To exemplify the faith that Christians are to “show forth” and “work out” or demonstrate their salvation (Psalm 96:2; Philippians 2:12).
   8. To show natural and temporal deliverance from difficulties (Philippians 1:19), Paul writes from prison, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation....”
   9. To show spiritual and eternal deliverance from sin’s penalty, power and presence given by God to all who accept His condition of repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:10; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Hebrews 9:28).
      • While you find additional uses for the word “salvation” as you study, I feel that the verses chosen here cover its primary use and meaning.

II. HOW IS SALVATION MADE POSSIBLE?

1. First of all, it must always be kept in mind that God planned our salvation from sin from eternity and long before the world was formed.
   1. Ephesians 1:4 – “According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world….”
   2. Romans 8:29 – “For whom He did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.…”
   3. 1 Peter 1:19-20 – “But with the precious blood of Christ...who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world....”
   4. Galatians 4:4 – “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son.…”
   5. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “...God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit.…”
2. In the second place, bear in mind that salvation is all of God and all of grace – meaning it is a gift from God that cannot be earned, merited, won, purchased, deserved or obtained by any human means.
   1. Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
   2. Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.…”
   3. Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God ...hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved).”
   4. Ephesians 2:8- 9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
3. Finally, salvation is made possible to us through the substitutionary and vicarious death of Christ on the cross where He shed His blood for our sins. Substitutionary means “in my place.” Vicarious means “on my behalf.”
   1. Galatians 2:20 – “...who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
   2. Hebrews 9:28 – “...Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
   3. Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity….”
   4. Galatians 1:4 – “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us….”
   5. See also Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24.

III. THE UNIVERSAL INCLUSIVENESS OF SALVATION
No honest Bible student can deny the universal inclusiveness of God’s offer of salvation. While it cannot be argued that from eternity, God foresaw and knew before those who would believe (1 Peter 1:2), and chose such (Ephesians 1:4) to be His elect people (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:2), the offer of His great salvation is clearly made to all men.

1. Isaiah 45:22 – “Look unto me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth.…”
2. 1 Timothy 2:3, 4 – “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
3. Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men....”
4. Revelation 22:17 – “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
5. Note also: John 3:16-17; 7:17; Acts 2:21; 10:43; 17:30-31; Romans 10:13.

IV. HOW IS SALVATION OBTAINED?

1. Any human merit or works of righteousness cannot obtain this great salvation.
   1. All men are guilty of sin and unworthy of God’s grace.
      1. Isaiah 64:6 – “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.…”
      2. Romans 3:9-12,19 –“...Jews and Gentiles...are all gone out of the way...are…unprofitable and there is none that doeth good...all the world is guilty before God.”
   2. Salvation is all of God and by grace and is offered freely to all men without regard of human effort or merit.
      1. Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
      2. Romans 5:15 – “...much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace...hath abounded unto many.”
      3. Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved...it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
      4. Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done.…”
2. There remains but one way for anyone to obtain salvation – by faith alone. Faith that:
   1. in the sacrifice and shed blood of Christ, the work was done!
   2. our sins were paid for.
   3. our sins were purged.
   4. our sins were put away.
   5. God’s holiness was satisfied .
   6. His justice was vindicated regarding our sins.
   7. Satan’s power was crushed.
   8. the law had been kept and magnified.
   9. the law’s penalty was fully paid.
   10. the law’s curse was removed..
   11. complete redemption had been purchased.
   12. “It is finished,” was Christ’s cry.
   13. full salvation had been obtained, so that now God can offer it to us freely on the basis of faith alone.
       1. Ephesians 2:8 – “...For by grace are ye saved through faith.…”
       2. Galatians 2:16 – “…even we (Jews) have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of (in) Christ.…”
       3. Galatians 3:22 – “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of (in) Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”
       4. Romans 4:5 – “But to him that worketh not (to be saved), but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
       5. Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
       6. Note also: Romans 3:22-24; 10:9-10; Acts 10:43; 16:31; Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16, 36;
          Acts 13:39.

V. WHAT ARE REWARDS?
Rewards are the heavenly and eternal honors God promises for faithful service. They are offered for the purpose of encouraging us to seek heavenly, rather than earthly riches, honors and pleasures and to encourage us to be faithful and steadfast in our lives and labors. Note the following:

1. Hebrews 11:26 – Moses, “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
2. 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
3. Colossians 3:24 – “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
4. Matthew 5:12 – “...for great is your reward in heaven.…”
5. 1 Corinthians 3:8 – “...every man shall receive his own reward....”
6. 1 Corinthians 3:14 – “If any man’s work abide...he shall receive a reward.”
7. Matthew 10:41-42 – “...he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

VI. TO WHOM ARE THEY GIVEN?

1. To those who faithfully build their work on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-14).
2. To those who have been wise and faithful stewards of what God has entrusted them (Matthew 25:21; Luke 19:17).
3. To those who steadfastly endure temptation (James 1:12).
4. To the faithful elders or shepherds who feed the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2-4).
5. To those who diligently seek the Lord (Hebrews 11:6).
6. To those who win souls (Daniel 12:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:19).
7. To those who fight a good fight, finish the course, keep the faith and love the Lord’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
8. To those who plant and those who water and are faithful doing it (1 Corinthians 3:5-8).
   • In Psalm 19:11, we read that there is great reward in keeping God’s word. 1 Timothy 5:18 states that “the laborer is worthy of his reward.” There are numerous rewards here and now for living a righteous life. In many ways it pays to serve Jesus! But I feel I must re-emphasize that in this lesson we are discussing heavenly and eternal rewards that can be won or attained. Such rewards are for born-again believers only who have already been saved entirely by grace but who can now strive faithfully and earnestly to win the prizes God offers in glory.

VII. WHEN ARE THEY GIVEN? BY WHOM?
While salvation is past, present and future and encompasses time and eternity, it is surely something we can presently enjoy. Rewards, on the other hand, can only be found in heaven, and it is there, at the judgment seat of Christ, that they will be given.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
2. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 – We note that at the DAY, meaning the day of Christ, every man’s work will be made manifest and tested by fire. If a man’s work stands the test, he receives a reward. If not, he suffers loss but not his salvation.
   • This too, is a reference to the judgment of believers at the judgment seat of Christ. It is imperative that Bible students separate the judgment seat of Christ, which is for believers only and occurs after the rapture of the Church, and judgment of the great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15), which is for sinners only and occurs at the end of the millennial reign of Christ.
3. Matthew 16:27 – When Christ returns He shall reward every man “according to his works.” Again, we see Christ as the one who rewards.
4. Luke 6:23 – “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven....”
5. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
6. Revelation 22:12 – “And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me.…”
   • It is clearly evident that rewards for believers will be given in heaven, at the appearing of Christ to receive those He has redeemed. They will be given at the judgment seat of Christ. Apparently Christ is the primary giver, though the Father shares in the bestowing of these honors.

VIII. WHAT CROWNS CAN BE WON?

1. The Soul Winner’s Crown
   1. Daniel 12:3 – “they that turn many to righteousness (shall shine) as the stars....”
   2. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – You are my joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.
      • What a joy it will be to see people in heaven that we had won to Christ. How sad it is that many saints have yet to win their first soul.
2. The Runner’s Crown
   1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – “one (runner) receiveth the prize; So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.”
   • This crown is for Christians who run the race according to the rules. He keeps himself in subjection and trains diligently. Remember, a man is not crowned, except he strive lawfully (2 Timothy 2:5).
3. The Warrior’s Crown
   2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness....”
   • To win this crown one must wage a good warfare against the powers of evil, finish the job God gave him to do and remain steadfast in the faith. In verse 8, Paul indicates that all that really love the appearing of Christ will fight a good fight, finish the job and stay true to the faith.
4. The Victor’s Crown
   James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life.…” This crown is for those who have remained steadfast and faithful after passing through fiery trials and temptation (Revelation 2:10).
   • It would be appropriate here, to claim such verses as Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:37 and 2 Corinthians 2:14. Read them.
5. The Shepherd’s Crown
   1 Peter 5:4 – “And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
   1. This particular crown is offered to “elders” or “bishops” who are the “shepherds” who feed the flock of God (verse 2). Such will be crowned if they fill their office well. Read verses 2 and 3 and see what responsibilities such men have.
   2. Revelation 4:4 and 10 seem to indicate that the four and twenty elders (the church) realizing their unworthiness in the presence of Christ’s glory, will cast their crowns at Jesus’ feet.

IX. SALVATION AND REWARDS CONTRASTED
To illustrate the distinctions between salvation and rewards, here are a few striking contrasts: (Learn for Exam)

Conclusion
Remember that salvation is for sinners only. Rewards are for believers only. We do not work to be saved. We work because we have been saved.

Christianity is not a religion of works – it is a life that works. Heaven is not a paradise to be won or attained--it is a promise to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:4; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29).

Examination

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