The Reward Of the Righteous

LAST THINGS THE FINAL STATE The Reward Of the Righteous Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you ( Peter :3, 4). One exciting promise that Jesus made is Your reward in heaven is great (Matthew 5:2; Luke 6:23). We who are Christians have hope (Ephesians 4:4) of a life in heaven that far exceeds this one in glory, which is one blessing that makes being Christians worthwhile. No other people have so many songs about heaven or sing so frequently about a future home. Our expectation of heaven carries us with joy through the many trials and burdens that drive others to sorrow and despair ( Thessalonians 4:3). Someone has concluded, The Christian life is still the best life that man can live while here, even if there were no reward after death. In agreement with this, Paul wrote, Godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come ( Timothy 4:8). Jesus taught the same: I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly (John 0:0). An abundant life is not without problems. Paul wrote, And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:2). The persecution Paul endured led him to say, If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied ( Corinthians 5:9). He wrote about his hardships for Christ, If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die ( Corinthians 5:32; see Isaiah 22:3). The New Testament gives us much more to look forward to than this life. Although heaven, in the sense of the eternal home of the saved, is not mentioned in the Scriptures frequently or described in detail, but the blessings of heaven are alluded to many times. Our Christian hope of a home in heaven is one that brings us joy (Romans 2:2). This is a better promise than was made to those under the old covenant (Hebrews 8:6; 0:34). They were promised the land of Canaan, with long life and prosperity if they kept the covenant God made with them (Deuteronomy 4:3; 5:33). If all we are promised is a place on an earth restored to its pristine state, then God s promises to us under the new covenant, the basis of our hope, are not that much better than the land promises God gave to Israel (Deuteronomy 28: 4). Our hope, however, is a place forever in heaven ( Peter :3, 4) instead of a plot of land with prosperity and long life on earth. WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? In order to understand heaven as described in the Bible, we must realize, as we studied in an earlier lesson, that heaven is used of three different realms (2 Corinthians 2:2 4): () the

sky where the clouds are (Deuteronomy :) and where the birds fly (Psalm 79:2), (2) the universe filled with stars and constellations (Genesis :4 8; Deuteronomy :0), and (3) God s dwelling place, where the redeemed of the earth will live forever ( Peter :3, 4). This last reference is the concern of this lesson. The expression kingdom of heaven is used to refer to () God s eternal kingdom (Matthew 3:43), (2) the kingdom prepared for the saved (Matthew 25:34), and (3) the kingdom of Christ which He preached was at hand and about which He sent others to preach. This kingdom was referred to as the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:7); the kingdom of God (Mark :5), My kingdom (Luke 22:30), and the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians :3). A unifying thread which runs through these terms correlates them in meaning, for each of them refers to heaven s reign. Christ s special reign, which He preached was at hand (Matthew 4:7), began with His ascension (Ephesians :9 23) and will end when He returns ( Corinthians 5:24). This lesson will stress the kingdom the saved will enter as their eternal reward (Matthew 25:34). Only the context can determine which of these uses of the term is meant in each passage. Since heaven is not a tangible, physical dimension, we must realize that the physical terms used to describe it can only hint at the realities of that spiritual realm. Paul wrote concerning this realm, We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the Heaven Is... the Paradise of God (Rev. 2:7) (a place of relaxation and beauty) a city (Heb. :0, 6; 3:4); new Jerusalem (Rev. 2:, 2) (a place of protection) My Father s house (Jn. 4:2) (the palace of the King) the Father s kingdom (Mt. 3:43); eternal kingdom (2 Pet. :) (a place where God will be in control and will continue to reign over the kingdom) new heaven and earth (2 Pet. 3:3; Rev. 2:) (a special place, different from and better than the present heaven and earth) things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:8). Although God describes heaven in earthly terms, it must not be thought of as physical. The earth is not to be renovated or changed into a spiritual habitation. If it were, then we could not take seriously Him who sits on the throne, who said, Behold, I am making all things new (Revelation 2:5). Nor could we take literally the statement And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away,... (Revelation 2:). The new Jerusalem, the city for the saved, is described as being made of the most costly materials known on earth (Revelation 2: 2). Such a description is awesome, almost beyond human imagination. It is the picture God wanted us mortals to have. We will all be awestricken when we are glorified in His kingdom ( Thessalonians 2:2; Hebrews 2:0), behold its splendor and glory (Romans 8:8), and become partakers of that glory ( Peter 5:). He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thessalonians :0). We will also be impressed that this is not a passing realm, but will provide for us as citizens of heaven an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:7). Compared with the earth, it is a better possession and an abiding one (Hebrews 0:34), a better country, that is a heavenly one (Hebrews :6). The good news about heaven is that it will always exist and will always be the same. It will not be like this transitory earth. Our hope is in an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you ( Peter :4). Heaven is a place where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal (Matthew 6:20; Luke 2:33). Each one who enters heaven will have a new body, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:). The most wonderful aspect of heaven will be our association throughout eternity with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit (Revelation 2:3), and all the wonderful saved people who have lived. No fellowship on earth can compare with the eternal fellowship we will have in heaven. If we could gaze but for a moment on the glory of heaven and see the fellowship we will experience, we would be so excited about going there that we would spend every waking mo- 2

ment dreaming about it, working toward it, and planning for it. Paul wrote, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:8). WHAT WILL BE IN HEAVEN? Symbols are used to help us understand heaven. Heaven will not have items we need here on earth, like the sun, the moon, or a lamp; nor will there be any night there, for the Lamb will be the light (Revelation 2:23, 25; 22:5). Our having ready access to God will mean that a temple will not be needed, for God and the Lamb will be the temple (Revelation 2:22). We will not need physical food, for life will be sustained by the water of the river of life and by the fruit of the tree of life (Revelation 22:, 2). No longer will we be away from God, for He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them (Revelation 2:3). The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and because of this, no curse can be there (Revelation 22:3). Only righteousness will be in our new dwelling place (2 Peter 3:3). WHAT WILL WE BE LIKE? Our physical bodies will be changed into spiritual bodies ( Corinthians 5:44, 5 54). Physical bodies would be unsuitable for the spiritual dimension we will enter, for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ( Corinthians 5:50). God s spirit realm is natural for Him, since He is a spirit (John 4:24), and for the angels, since they also are spirits (Hebrews :4). We cannot understand what the body in that dimension will be like, but we have the assurance that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is ( John 3:2). In order for us to see God, we must enter His dimension, for physical beings cannot see God ( Timothy 6:6). Jesus will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself (Philippians 3:20, 2; RSV). When this happens, we shall see His face (Revelation 22:4), a face that none of us in our physical bodies can behold and live (Exodus 33:20). When we are changed, we will have the glory of heavenly beings. We will be glorified with Christ (Romans 8:7), having entered into glory, honor, and peace (Romans 2:7, 0). In our new state we will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father (Matthew 3:43). And just as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly ( Corinthians 5:49). We will be eternal beings with eternal life, no longer able to die (Luke 20:36; Revelation 2:4). Eternal life means quality of life as well as length of life, which can refer to a present possession or to the life we will receive as a reward for believing in Jesus and serving Him. 2 The unrighteous dead will continue living. However, their eternal existence should not be considered eternal life ; rather, it should be called eternal death, which is the second death, the lake of fire (Revelation 20:4). WHAT WILL WE BE DOING? God has not given us a full description of what we will be doing in heaven, and perhaps for good reason. We might not consider what spiritual beings do to be very exciting, since we are physical. As a little boy, I hoped I would never grow up to be an adult, because I thought that adults activities were boring. Since our happiness is usually based on physical things, we might have difficulty getting excited about the spiritual activities of heaven. In heaven we will know only happiness, for God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away (Revelation 2:4). Those physical aspects of this life that have caused us sorrow or have been a curse to us will no longer exist (Revelation 22:3). The saved will enter into the joy of our Master (Matthew 25:2, 23). We will get to rest from the toils of this life (Revelation 4:3; Hebrews 4:8 ). Throughout eternity we will rejoice, because we will be with the Father (Revelation 2:3), with Jesus (John 2:26 3 ), with the angels (Luke 9:26), and with those who are saved (Matthew See John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47, 54; John 5:, 3. 2 Matthew 9:29; Mark 0:30; Luke 8:30; John 0:28; Romans 2:7; 6:22; Timothy 6:2. 3 See John 4:3; 7:24; 2 Corinthians 5:6 8; Philippians :23; Colossians 3:4; Thessalonians 4:7. 3

3:43). We will joyfully serve Jesus (Revelation 22:3) and reign with Him forever (2 Timothy 2:2; Revelation 22:5). He will be glorified in the saints (2 Thessalonians :0), which must mean that Jesus will be highly honored and revered (Philippians 2:0, ) by those He has saved. Heaven will be a wonderful place of love, fellowship, and rejoicing. WHO WILL GO TO HEAVEN? Jesus said, Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father.... (Matthew 7:2). He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Those who will receive eternal life are those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor (Romans 2:7), and every man who does good (Romans 2:0). The glories of heaven are not given on the basis of merit, but on the basis of grace (2 Thessalonians 2:6). We will not be able to brag that we have earned heaven by our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). We will simply say, We have done only that which we ought to have done (Luke 7:0). Heaven will be given to us as an inheritance. 4 An inheritance is not earned; it is a gift. Those who are heirs are the children of God (Romans 8:6, 7; Galatians 3:6, 7, 29). By being born again of water and Spirit (John 3:5), we are born of God (John :2, 3). In this way we become children of God and heirs of heaven through faith and baptism (Galatians 3:26, 27). Those who will not enter heaven are those who rebel against God and live immoral lives ( Corinthians 6:9, 0; Galatians 5:9 2). Because they have not been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, they will remain defiled and cannot enter heaven (Revelation 2:27; 2 Peter 3:3). Those who will enter heaven are those who have been cleansed by Jesus blood (Ephesians 5:25 27; Colossians :9 22). WILL ALL BE REWARDED THE SAME? Some have concluded that God will give different degrees of rewards. Some base this 4 See Acts 20:32; see 26:8; Ephesians :, 4, 8; 5:5; Colossians :2; 3:24; Hebrews 9:5; Peter :4. conclusion on the fact that three different crowns are mentioned: the crowns of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), glory ( Peter 5:4), and life (Revelation 2:0; James. :2). These may not be degrees of rewards, but descriptions of the blessings of all the righteous. A good case can be made that all will receive the same rewards. In a parable concerning those who worked various hours, from one hour to all day, Jesus stated that they all received the same wages (Matthew 20:2 5). He also taught that those who gave all would receive eternal life (Luke 8:30), but He said nothing of greater rewards. God would be just to reward some more than others; however, no one will deserve heaven. If God gives all the same reward, as the parable indicated (Matthew 20:2 5), He still will be showing His grace to all. WILL WE RECOGNIZE EACH OTHER? Some have argued that if we recognize each other, we will have grief in heaven, for we will know that some of our loved ones did not make it. This could be a problem; however, those of us who go to heaven will understand God s justice as He does. For this reason, we will be satisfied with whatever verdicts He gives. Others have concluded that we will not recognize each other because our spiritual bodies will not look like our earthly bodies. The rich man recognized Lazarus in Abraham s bosom after they had left their bodies. Paul told the Thessalonian brethren that they would be his reason for joy and glory at the coming of Christ ( Thessalonians 2:9, 20). How could they be his reason for rejoicing if he could not recognize them and know that they were among the saved? In heaven the righteous will enjoy fellowship throughout eternity with saved friends they had on earth and also with all the saved of the earth. CONCLUSION Heaven is a wonderful place that will exceed our most cherished dreams. Our greatest aspiration should be entering that spirit realm where Jesus is. We will enjoy a new spiritual existence throughout eternity in heaven, where there will be a wonderful fellowship. No longer will we have any pain, sorrow, or crying. All will be joy, happiness, and peace. 4

The 44,000 in Revelation Will only 44,000 go to heaven to reign with Jesus and the rest of the redeemed live on a Paradise earth? Because some take literally the highly symbolic passages in Revelation, they believe 44,000 to be the literal number of all who will go to heaven. This literal conclusion, however, presents problems: () The 44,000 are all said to be of the twelve tribes of Israel, which are individually listed, with the exception of Dan (Revelation 7:4 8). That would mean that no Gentiles will go to heaven. (2) A multitude that no man can number is described as standing before the throne (Revelation 7:9). The throne is in heaven, which means that a multitude will be in heaven, not just 44,000 people. (3) There is only one hope (Ephesians 4:4), one promised inheritance, which is heaven (Colossians :5; Peter :3, 4). Earth, as a hope for some, and heaven, as a hope for others, would be two hopes, not one hope. (4) The citizenship of Christians is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). As long as we are away from heaven, we are aliens and strangers ( Peter 2:). We are at home only when we reside where we hold our citizenship. Heaven, therefore, not earth, must be the eternal home of all Christians. (5) Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, so that where He is we can be also (John 4:3). He went to heaven ( Peter 3:22), so heaven must be where we will go. (6) As a tangible sphere, the earth is temporal, not eternal (2 Corinthians 4:8); therefore, it will pass away (Matthew 24:35). This earth, which will be burned up (2 Peter 3:0), cannot be our eternal home. (7) Our eternal house is in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:). The 44,000 may only be a symbol of Jesus church, for everything that is said about them is also said about the church. In fact, the church could not be better described. The 44,000 The Description The Church Rev. 7:3 servants of God Pet. 2:6 Rev. 7:4 sealed 2 Cor. :22; Eph. :3; 4:30 Rev. 7:4 the Israel of God Gal. 6:6 Rev. 4: on Mount Zion Heb. 2:22, 23 Rev. 4: wear the Father s name Eph. 3:5; Rev. 3:2 Rev. 4: wear Jesus name Jas. 2:7; Acts :26 Rev. 4:3 purchased Acts 20:28 Rev. 4:4 not defiled Eph. 5:27 Rev. 4:4 virgins 2 Cor. :2 Rev. 4:4 followers of the Lamb Jn. 0:27; Pet. 2:2 Rev. 4:4 the first fruits Heb. 2:23; Jas. :8 Rev. 4:5 without lies in their mouths A great multitude which no one could count (Revelation 7:9 7) may represent the redeemed of all ages who have already departed this life. This multitude is described in Revelation in the same way as those who enter the new Jerusalem: () They are of all nations (7:9; 2:24); (2) they wear white robes (7:9; 9:4); (3) they are with the Lamb (7:9, 2:22; 22:); (4) they are where the throne is (7:9; 22:3); (5) they have been saved (7:0; 2:27); (6) they wear washed robes (7:4; 9:8; 22:4); (7) they serve Him (7:5; 22:3); (8) they will be in God s temple, which is God Himself (7:5; 2:22); (9) God will dwell with them (7:5; 2:3); (0) they will not hunger (7:6; 22:2); () they will not thirst (7:6; 2:6; 22:); (2) they need no sun (7:6; 2:23; 22:5); (3) they have the water of life (7:7; 2:6); and (4) God will wipe away all their tears (7:7; 2:4). Evidently, all of us who obey Jesus, not a literal 44,000, have the one hope of the glories of heaven throughout eternity. All of the saved, the church (Ephesians 5:25 27), and the saved of the earth will be rewarded eternal life in heaven, our one and only hope. Revelation :4; 3:2; 4:2 0; 5:, 6 3; 6:6; 7:9 7; 8:3; 2:5; 4:3; 6:7; 9:4, 5. By Owen D. Olbricht, Copyright, 996, 998 by Truth for Today ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 5