The concept of reward is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between God and humanity, and the principles of divine justice and grace. In the biblical context, rewards are often depicted as blessings or consequences that result from one's actions, faith, and obedience to God's commandments.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the concept of reward is frequently associated with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Obedience to God's laws and commandments often results in tangible blessings, such as prosperity, peace, and longevity. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings that will follow obedience: "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).

The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, emphasizes the principle of reward in the context of righteous living. Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward" . Here, the reward is not only material but also moral and spiritual, reflecting the intrinsic value of living according to God's wisdom.

New Testament

In the New Testament, the concept of reward is expanded to include eternal and spiritual dimensions. Jesus frequently speaks of rewards in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you" (Matthew 5:12). This highlights the eternal nature of the rewards promised to those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of reward, particularly in relation to the believer's service and faithfulness. In 1 Corinthians 3:14, Paul writes, "If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward" , indicating that the quality of one's work for the Kingdom will be tested and rewarded accordingly.

Faith and Works

The relationship between faith, works, and reward is a nuanced topic in biblical theology. While salvation is a gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), rewards are often depicted as a response to faithful service and obedience. Hebrews 11:6 underscores this by stating, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" .

Eschatological Rewards

The Bible also speaks of eschatological rewards, which are the ultimate rewards believers will receive at the end of the age. 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" . This promise of future reward serves as an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and service.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of reward encompasses both temporal and eternal aspects, reflecting God's justice, grace, and the moral order of His creation. It serves as both an encouragement and a warning, urging believers to live lives of faithfulness and obedience in anticipation of the rewards that God has promised.