Heavenly Rewards

[OtherCheek]

Most Evangelical Christians I speak to, say that Salvation is not a reward for good works.

My question would then be this:

From the Evangelical perspective:

What "is" the reward for good works?

Specifically, What "is" the reward to the Christian for good works, and what would be the reward to the non-Christian for good works?

Thanks.

[Newsboys6]

Well I would say that works without faith are empty. While they produce good results here on earth, if they are not backed by faith its like trying to catch the wind.

For the christian the reward is treasures in heaven. This is probably not official belief and some here will probably disagree but I believe that treasures in heaven are lost souls that would not have been there had it not been for your (or on a more personal note "my") actions.

It makes sense to me that that would be the case because we are God's Treasure.

[OtherCheek]

Well I would say that works without faith are empty. While they produce good results here on earth, if they are not backed by faith its like trying to catch the wind.

For the christian the reward is treasures in heaven. This is probably not official belief and some here will probably disagree but I believe that treasures in heaven are lost souls that would not have been there had it not been for your (or on a more personal note "my") actions.

It makes sense to me that that would be the case because we are God's Treasure.

Thanks for responding. I like your interpretation of what constitutes "treasures in heaven" btw. Here's the other half of the question:

and what would be the reward to the non-Christian for good works?

[Newsboys6]

Thanks for responding. I like your interpretation of what constitutes "treasures in heaven" btw. Here's the other half of the question:

and what would be the reward to the non-Christian for good works?

First sentence...

[OtherCheek]

First sentence...

So are you saying that there are no rewards for good works at all except for those who first, know about Jesus Christ, and second, believe.

[OtherCheek]

So are you saying that there are no rewards for good works at all except for those who first, know about Jesus Christ, and second, believe.

Seems kind of unfair that if you were born along the path of a Christian missionary, you are rewarded for your works, otherwise there is no reward for you.

[wonbyone]

So are you saying that there are no rewards for good works at all except for those who first, know about Jesus Christ, and second, believe.

faith in Christ is the only way to get to Heaven and Heaven is where good works are eternally rewarded so if a person does not have faith in Christ it is impossible for them to recieve eternal rewards. I do believe everyone recieves earthly rewards for their good deads regardless if they are a believer in Christ.

[Newsboys6]

Seems kind of unfair that if you were born along the path of a Christian missionary, you are rewarded for your works, otherwise there is no reward for you.

Personally I want no reward for my good works except the treasures in heaven that I mentioned but that's more of a reward for God not me. I do for God and God alone not that I might receive but that God might be glorified.

That he is glorified is my reward.

So I ask, does a non believer do good for the glorification of God or himself?

[OtherCheek]

So I ask, does a non believer do good for the glorification of God or himself?

I suppose we would have to pass judgment on the heart of the non-believer to know. Do you know the heart of every non believer who does good works?

[Newsboys6]

I suppose we would have to pass judgment on the heart of the non-believer to know. Do you know the heart of every non believer who does good works?

It is impossible for one man to know the heart of another.

However, if they are a non-believer then by definition they are not doing good works with God written on their heart. So while I cannot know their heart, I can know that they are not doing good deeds in the name of the lord. Otherwise they would not be called non-believers.

[OtherCheek]

It is impossible for one man to know the heart of another.

However, if they are a non-believer then by definition they are not doing good works with God written on their heart. So while I cannot know their heart, I can know that they are not doing good deeds in the name of the lord. Otherwise they would not be called non-believers.

Actually, I think God is pleased with every act of kindness. Every act of charity. Every act of selfless service. Every act of love, whether from Christian or Buddist, or Hindu, or Muslim, etc.

Doing unto others as you would have others do unto you, is not unique to Christians.

[Alexander's Mom]

Wow, I think I have a few misconceptions that need clearing up.
When I read the thing it seemed that "written on their hearts" was not so exclusive to believers. It seemed that the Law was exclusive to Jews and Jewish converts, but that the spiritual Law was gifted to all.
I can't help but feel there's a covert denial of the possibility of altruism, here.

[Newsboys6]

Actually, I think God is pleased with every act of kindness. Every act of charity. Every act of selfless service. Every act of love, whether from Christian or Buddist, or Hindu, or Muslim, etc.

Doing unto others as you would have others do unto you, is not unique to Christians.

Wait a rootin tootin minute.

Where did I say anything about God not being pleased with certain acts of kindness?

You asked about what was on their hearts and I answered.

I might have to agree as well that God is pleased with all acts of kindness to the human condition. How heartbreaking it must be for him that some that are so kind will not accept his free gift, that type of heartache I cannot imagine.

My reward is eternal life and the Glorification of God, I do not want or expect anything in addition to this.

If a non-believer does not seek to glorify God, then how can he? (he might very well be doing good deeds in order to prove a point that one does not need salvation to be a good person and that all religion is false)

If a non-believer will not accept the free gift, why should he receive it anyway?

God does not want to impose on anyone who does not wish to be in his presence.

[jo7241974]

What about those who have not had the opportunity to accept His gift? Who have never heard the good news?

[Sparko]

Someone once said (maybe CS Lewis) said that our rewards in heaven will be crowns. Crowns that we get to lay at the feet of Jesus in honor. How much joy would that bring you? To be able to honor Jesus with your life and actions?

But rewards are not salvation. Neither are works.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

The bible even talks about someone who's good works were not good but he still got into heaven.

1 Cor 3:11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.