Topical Encyclopedia The concept that individuals will be recompensed according to their works is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the principle of divine justice and accountability. This doctrine underscores the belief that God, as the righteous judge, will reward or punish each person based on their actions, both in this life and in the life to come.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for this principle, particularly in the wisdom literature and prophetic writings. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist declares, "Surely You will reward each person according to what he has done" (Psalm 62:12). This verse highlights the assurance that God observes human actions and will administer justice accordingly. Similarly, the book of Proverbs reinforces this idea: "The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked" (Proverbs 10:3). Here, the recompense is not only future but also present, as God provides for the righteous and withholds from the wicked. The prophet Jeremiah also speaks to this theme, stating, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve" (Jeremiah 17:10). This passage emphasizes God's omniscience and His ability to discern the true nature of human actions. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues and expands upon this theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic writings. Jesus Himself affirms this principle in the Gospel of Matthew: "For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done" (Matthew 16:27). This statement points to the eschatological aspect of divine recompense, where ultimate justice will be administered at the end of the age. The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in his epistle to the Romans: "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger" (Romans 2:6-8). Paul delineates the dual outcomes of divine recompense: eternal life for the righteous and wrath for the wicked. In the book of Revelation, the final judgment is depicted with vivid imagery: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books" (Revelation 20:12). This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, where every deed is accounted for. Theological Implications The doctrine that man shall be recompensed according to his works carries significant theological implications. It affirms the moral order of the universe, where justice is ultimately served by a holy and righteous God. This principle also serves as a moral exhortation for believers to live lives of integrity and righteousness, knowing that their actions have eternal consequences. Furthermore, this doctrine is harmonized with the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith. While salvation is a gift that cannot be earned by works, the evidence of genuine faith is manifested in righteous deeds. As James writes, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds" (James 2:18). Thus, works are not the basis of salvation but the fruit of a transformed life in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 62:12Also to you, O Lord, belongs mercy: for you render to every man according to his work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 2:6 Library Whether a Man Can Merit Anything from God Mercy and Pity in the Judgment of God. Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy. On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 6, Where we are Told of the ... The Question Answered. Justification is Grace Simply and Entirely ... Psalm XXI. Whether one Can Merit Eternal Life Without Grace Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity. That the Son is Very God, of the Same Substance with the Father. ... Book xi. The Apostle in his Letter to the Ephesians, Reviewing in ... Resources What does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.org How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.org Man: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |
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