Preparing for Life After Death: Understanding Eternal Rewards

We are continuing our meditation from yesterday on preparing for life after death. The Scriptures reveal that those who belong to Christ are building something meaningful with their lives, and that there will be a reward when Christ returns. Paul, the Apostle, wrote:

¹⁰By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹²If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³their 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 person’s work. ¹⁴If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

In verse 10, Paul emphasizes the importance of careful construction. All efforts in God's Kingdom are based on a foundation of a close relationship with Christ (v. 11). This relationship is symbolized by gold, silver, and precious stones—materials that withstand fire. Conversely, other good works are like wood, hay, and stubble—materials that are burned away in judgment. The choice of building materials indicates the motives behind our actions. An essential aspect of this judgment is that, before Christ, our work will be exposed for what it truly is (v. 13). God will reveal every deed and its motivation, leaving nothing concealed. This idea is echoed elsewhere:

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open (Luke 8:17).

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13).

Author John Bevere writes:

Many have the erroneous idea that all future judgment is eradicated by their salvation. Indeed, Jesus' blood cleanses us from the sins that would have kept us from the kingdom. However, it does not exempt us from the judgment of how we conduct ourselves as believers, whether good or bad.

Finally, everything will be revealed, and we will uncover the great mysteries of this life that people have tried to hide. Nothing will remain concealed. This isn't necessarily a negative thing; many secret acts of kindness will also be exposed. God recognizes the intentions and motives behind these actions and will reward them openly. Some people may have worked unnoticed, quietly serving remote villages off the map—their loving efforts please God. Many have given generously and sacrificially to help the poor, doing so for God alone and keeping it secret from others.

“…your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:18).

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

The Lord sees everything we have ever done for Him, and nothing escapes His attention. The day will come when we receive our inheritance in Christ, given to us before time began. What a day that will be! Keep it up, Christian! Your reward is waiting for you! Keith Thomas

Taken from the series  Insights into Eternity. Click on the study Are You READY for Eternity?

Here are our teaching videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/videos