Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of rewards is intricately linked to the principles of divine justice, faithfulness, and the moral and spiritual conduct of individuals. The Bible presents rewards as both temporal and eternal, bestowed by God in response to human actions, faith, and obedience.Old Testament Perspective The Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of rewards, often in the context of God's covenant with Israel. Rewards are depicted as blessings for obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 28, a clear correlation is established between obedience to God's laws and the receipt of blessings: "And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 28:2). Conversely, disobedience results in curses, illustrating the conditional nature of rewards under the Mosaic Covenant. The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, emphasizes the principle of reaping what one sows. Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward" . This reflects the belief that righteous living leads to divine favor and tangible benefits. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of rewards is expanded and given a more eternal dimension. Jesus Christ frequently spoke of rewards in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught about the blessings for those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake: "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12). This highlights the shift from earthly to heavenly rewards, emphasizing eternal life and spiritual blessings over temporal gains. The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of rewards, particularly in relation to Christian service and perseverance. In 1 Corinthians 3:8, he writes, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor" . Paul underscores that while salvation is a gift of grace, rewards are given based on faithful service and stewardship. Eschatological Rewards The New Testament further elaborates on rewards in the eschatological context, where believers are promised crowns and positions of honor in the life to come. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" . Similarly, in Revelation 22:12, Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done" . These passages affirm the belief in future rewards for faithfulness and endurance. Principles of Rewards The biblical principle of rewards is rooted in God's justice and faithfulness. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that God "rewards those who earnestly seek Him" , highlighting the importance of faith and diligence in the believer's life. Rewards are not earned through human merit but are graciously given by God in response to faith and obedience. Moreover, the Bible teaches that the motivation for seeking rewards should not be selfish gain but rather the desire to honor God and fulfill His purposes. Jesus warned against performing righteous acts for the sake of human recognition, stating, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). In summary, the biblical concept of rewards encompasses both present and future blessings, contingent upon one's faithfulness, obedience, and service to God. These rewards serve as an encouragement for believers to live righteously and to persevere in their faith, with the ultimate reward being eternal life in the presence of God. Greek 968. bema -- a step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal ... someone walked up to receive ; (figuratively) the administration of justice -- literally, given from "a tribunal-chair" (throne) where rewards and punishments ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/968.htm - 7k 3414. mna -- a mina (Gr. monetary unit) 3406. misthapodotes -- one who pays wages 469. antapodosis -- recompense Strong's Hebrew 8021. shalmon -- a reward, bribe... 8020, 8021. shalmon. 8022 . a reward, bribe. Transliteration: shalmon Phonetic Spelling: (shal-mone') Short Definition: rewards. ... /hebrew/8021.htm - 6k 5023. nebizbah(1102a) -- a reward Library Whether the Rewards of the Beatitudes are Suitably Enumerated? The Rewards of the Trading Servants Whether the Rewards Assigned to the Beatitudes Refer to this Life? The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab. The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab. The Passion for Rewards Rebuked. (Luke, xvii. , 7. ) Future Rewards and Punishments. The Rewards of Listening to the Advice of the Wise The Rewards of Modesty and Unselfishness The Rewards for Following Jesus' Teachings Thesaurus Rewards (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Rewards (26 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now the planter and the waterer are working for the same end ... /r/rewards.htm - 14k Profits (19 Occurrences) Decisions (133 Occurrences) Rewardedst (1 Occurrence) Upright (392 Occurrences) Imputation Gavest (36 Occurrences) Beatitudes Position (189 Occurrences) Rewarding (10 Occurrences) Resources What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rewards (26 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 3:8 2 Corinthians 7:1 Hebrews 11:6 2 Peter 1:4 Exodus 23:8 Numbers 22:7 Deuteronomy 10:17 Deuteronomy 16:19 1 Samuel 8:3 1 Samuel 26:23 Psalms 62:10 Psalms 137:8 Proverbs 12:14 Proverbs 13:21 Proverbs 16:19 Proverbs 17:13 Isaiah 1:23 Isaiah 33:15 Lamentations 3:60 Ezekiel 16:33 Ezekiel 22:12 Daniel 2:6 Daniel 5:17 Hosea 2:12 Amos 5:12 Micah 3:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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