The NIV 365 Day Devotional
Are There Rewards in Heaven?
Matthew 6:1 speaks of not receiving a reward from our Father in heaven. Language of rewards recurs throughout Mt 6:1–21, though it is never specified where and what the rewards are. Other NT passages do at first glance appear to talk about degrees of reward in heaven. The most famous may be 1Co 3:10–15, in which people build on the foundation that is Christ either with durable materials or those that can burn up. All will be saved, but some will suffer loss, barely making it into the kingdom.
Five times in the letters, a writer speaks about Christians receiving crowns—an incorruptible one (1Co 9:25), one of boasting (1Th 2:19), one of righteousness (2Ti 4:8), one of life (Jas 1:12) and an unfading crown of glory (1Pe 5:4). There are also texts that talk about the greatest and least in God’s kingdom (e.g., Mt 11:11) or about the twelve apostles sitting on thrones and judging all of Israel’s tribes (Mt 19:28). Matthew’s parable of the talents (Mt 25:14–30) and Luke’s parable of the minas (Lk 19:11–27) suggest different rewards for different amounts of service.
On the other hand, while there are plenty of passages that suggest each Christian will have a somewhat unique experience standing before God on Judgment Day (cf. 1Co 4:5), none of these texts states that differing statuses will be perpetuated throughout eternity. The crown passages all speak of eternal life itself, not rewards within it. Ranking in the kingdom appears to apply to this life, though all Christians will judge angels (1Co 6:2), relativizing the apostles’ privileges.
The very concepts of salvation by grace and heavenly perfection in the eternal state suggest eternal equality. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard teaches the scandalous truth of generous, equal pay for unequal work (Mt 20:1–16). Some interpreters speak of different capacities to enjoy eternity, but awareness of such differences would seem to work against one’s perfect happiness. Yet if one were unaware of the differences, what would be the point of the distinctions?
Some speak of rewards as a key motivator for living the Christian life, but the New Testament suggests that gratitude is the key motive. Our response of obedience is simply our duty (Lk 17:7–10).
Instead of trying to “earn jewels in your heavenly crown,” how can you simply focus on gratitude for your salvation and an eternity with Christ?
Taken from the NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition.