A Question About Heaven

[DunnySaze]

This issue came up on another thread and I was curious about it and would like some feedback.

A statement was made that there are varying rewards in Heaven, above and beyond simple salvation. That there are people who essentially 'squeak by' and still attain salvation, but because their views are not quite correct; i.e., they do not accept certain issues that at not salvation breakers but appently still the views of Jesus; they can still go to Heaven but recieve less than those people who go to Heaven and accept these issues as well.

For example, it was suggested that merely believing the Earth was very old in defiance of the apparent Biblical geneology was an important defiance of the simple teaching of Jesus, although not a salvation breaker. However, it was implied that there were definete rewards in addition to salvation for those that accepted a young earth as well.

What I would like to know is, are there different rewards in Heaven one could attain, beyond just the condition of living in eternity in God's presence? Is there Biblical evidence to support this idea, and if so, what other possible rewards could there be? I always thought it was an all or nothing proposition. That you were saved or you weren't. The Catholics have the doctrine of Purgatory, but this is not what we're talking about here. I don't think it is anyway.

Thank you for your input.

[Thomas2003]

Dear Dunnysaze,

Scripture indicates that rewards are conditioned upon works, thus what one believes will affect their actions therefore their rewards. However, salvation is by Grace.

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12

Numerous other Scriptures teach the same thing, so it is valid to believe that rewards are conditioned upon obedience; if one wants a great reward in heaven, one must do great works here. We are instructed to store up "treasure in heaven" in well doing.

Cordially,

Thomas

[doulos]

I agree with Thomas. There will be rewards in heaven for Christians who did works, but this in no way affects our salvation.
1 Corinthians 3:15 is the verse that refers to being saved "by the skin of your teeth", if all of your works are burned up. Starting in verse 8 to 15 it talks about rewards for works.

There is a very good explanation of the Doctrine of Rewards here:
http://www.bible.org/docs/theology/esch/bema.htm
It is well worth the read.

[DunnySaze]

Today @ 05:38 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=143986#post143986)
doulos:

I agree with Thomas. There will be rewards in heaven for Christians who did works, but this in no way affects our salvation.
1 Corinthians 3:15 is the verse that refers to being saved "by the skin of your teeth", if all of your works are burned up. Starting in verse 8 to 15 it talks about rewards for works.

There is a very good explanation of the Doctrine of Rewards here:
http://www.bible.org/docs/theology/esch/bema.htm
It is well worth the read.

Thanks to you and Thomas for your input. I will read the link posted.

....

Done.

So there are rewards in Heaven for doing good works. Each person getting rewarded in proportion to the works he has done. Perhaps some getting rewards taken away, but still saved. Although the rewards are more of a general than specific nature, there is no question that there are rewards. Again, for works, not for beliefs. I don't see where it says one gets rewarded for holding a certain belief another does not.

Thanks again.