| Your Inheritance in Heaven |
Created Date: 27-Jan-2019 |
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Last updated: 4-May-2023 |
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The overwhelming misconception by most Christians, is when we go to Heaven, then we will all have the same:
This belief is too often perpetuated by the way the Gospel is delivered by well-intentioned people and the scripturally illiterate. Most Christians understand the first step in being able to go to Heaven, is obtaining Salvation through Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this is often spoken as the only aspect of the Christian's life with regards to eternity. In deed Salvation, is the most important but there is much, much more!
Matthew 6:19-21, speaks about treasures in Heaven, where the point is we are the laborer who puts the treasures there.
| Matthew 6:19-21 | 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. |
The scriptures impart that God has a great deal to give to us at the Judgment Seat of Christ if we have earned them.
Going forward in this topic, all the aspects mentioned in these five points will be collectively called Rewards.
The most commonly known scriptures dealing with rewards is in 1 Corinthians 3:11-13, which gives the analogy of a test of our life's works, done in the Service of Jesus Christ, will be compared to:
| 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 | 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. |
Notice also in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 the warning of loss but still being Saved. Furthermore, this is amplified in 2 Corinthians 5:10 concerning a judgment of our works that go towards our presence, status and privileges in eternity with God.
| 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 | 14 If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:10 | For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad. |
| Matthew 18:23-35 | 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him ... {The servant acts with treachery against a fellow servant and experience loss.} |
There are many scripture references, dealing with rewards in Heaven that are earned. The scriptures are not stating that there is a work's requirement for Salvation as that was done by Jesus Christ and our acceptance as Him as our Savior. The scriptures are informing we should be living, exemplifying and doing things for our God which is also what the third commandment is instructing us to do.
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Everything done through faith that:
will contribute to rewards in Heaven.
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There is an important phrase used in many scriptures, "gnashing of teeth". This phrase is dealing with anyone who has Salvation but is not reflecting, living or showing they are in God's Service which then caused negative consequences. It is explained in scriptures such as the Parable of Talents in a Matthew 25:14-30 listed below, and also in the Wedding Garments Parable that is discussed later in this topic. Gnashing of Teeth is an Jewish expression that reflects anguish for not having done what was needed that has caused deep remorse.
| Matthew 24:42-51 | 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. 44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh. ... 50 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, 51 and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. {Notice the gnashing of teeth for the servant of the Lord that should have been wise but will experience loss.} |
| Matthew 25:14-30 | 14 For it is as when a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents. 17 In like manner he also that received the two gained other two. 18 But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. ... 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away. 30 And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. {Notice the gnashing of teeth for the servant of the Lord that should have been wise but will experience loss.} |
There are several other scriptural passages that emphasize the importance of works that are worthy, righteous and actually required of us all. Luke 12:41-48 and Luke 19:11-27 emphasize the expectation that God has for us to be about doing works for the Kingdom of God.
| Mark 8:34-38 | 34 And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s shall save it. 36 For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? 37 For what should a man give in exchange for his life? 38 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. |
| Luke 12:41-48 | 41 And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. ... 47 And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; 48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more. {Notice there is a comparison punishment for the servant of the Lord that should have been doing what was expected.} |
| Luke 19:11-27 (Parable of money) |
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassador after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us. ... 26 I say unto you, that unto every one that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. {Notice that the good servants of the Lord will receive more money to do more works for the Lord, the servants who did nothing would have what they had taken away, and then the enemies would lose their life.} |
1 Peter 1:4 and many others remind us to build an incorruptible inheritance in eternity:
| 1 Peter 1:4 | To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. |
There are five distinct crowns mentioned as rewards in the New Testament Scriptures. Many Biblical Scholars have speculated that there is most likely more crowns but these are just the specific ones mentioned.
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Crown of Live James 1:12 Revelation 2:10 |
1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:
for when he is tried, he shall receive the
crown of life, which the
Lord hath promised to them that love him. 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. |
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Incorruptible Crown 1 Corinthians 9:25 |
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. |
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Crown of Righteousness 2 Timothy 4:8 |
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. |
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Crown of Glory 1 Peter 5:4 |
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. |
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Crown of Rejoicing 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Philippians 4:1 |
2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or
crown of rejoicing? Are
not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. |
Indirect References to Crowns and Diadems.
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Beautiful Crown Isaiah 28:5 |
In that day the LORD of hosts will become a beautiful crown And a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people; |
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Crown of Beauty Isaiah 62:3 |
You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God. |
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Do not lose your Crown Revelation 3:11 |
'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. |
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Crowns on the 24 Elders Revelation 4:10 |
the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, |
There are many scriptures that admonish us all to protect our rewards and do not lose them.
| Hebrews 12:1-3 | 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. |
| Hebrews 12:14-17 | 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. |
| 1 Corinthians 9:27 | No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. |
| 2 John 1:8 | Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. |
| Philippians 3:14 | I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. |
| Matthew 5:10-12 | 10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. |
| 2 John 1:8 | Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. |
| Revelation 22:12 | "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. |
In the Old Testament there are two models given of losing rewards.
Case 1. In Numbers Chapter 13 through Chapter 14, where the nation of Israel is coming out of captivity in Egypt, they failed to inherit the Promise Land. They saw the miracles that God performed but they so angered God that God swore an oath that they would not inherit/enter the Promise Land. Only two of the "spies", Joshua and Caleb, and the descendants under the age of accountability would enter the Promise Land. The other estimated million people in the exodus from Egypt did not inherit and died in the wilderness because of consequences of grieving God.
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Excerpt from the topic on Moses: Note that even Moses, along with all of us are not perfect and make mistakes. There was unfortunately incident done by Moses which had the consequences of not being allowed by God to enter the Promised Land because of disobeying what God told him to do with staff and rock in Numbers 20:11.
We very know that Moses was deeply loved by God and Moses was at the event in the New Testament's Mount of Transfiguration appearance in Matthew 17:3 with Elijah. Lucifer so hated Moses that he wanted to desecrate Moses' body after death.
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As already stated, while Israel did not get the rewards of the Promise Land, they were not sent back to captivity in Egypt. Therefore, the Exodus generation were still saved from Egypt, followed God during their wonderings of the 38.1 years where God continued to take care of them, which shows God did love them. Biblical Commentaries and this author agree that while the people who did not go into the Promise Land, still had Salvation.
Case 2: Consider the Scriptural case where Esau sold his birth right for one morsel of meat, thus showing he had no regard for it, which rejects the knowledge of blessing given to the first born. We do not know from the scriptures if Esau will be in Heaven based on Hebrews 12:17, but taking the whole Word of God into consideration, the answer is hopefully "yes". Consider the possible evidence that the descendants of Esau, the Edomites, served Israel.
These two examples are about rewards and it is NOT possible to lose Salvation.
A beautiful example in the Scriptures concerning the possibility of earning rewards, even at the moment of death, is the Thief on the Cross. The Thief confessed his guilt to Jesus and asked to be remembered. Jesus then told him, that he would be in paradise with Him on that very day. Since that event that happened nearly 2,000 years ago, there have been people who have remembered this Scripture and then asked for forgiveness and acceptance by Jesus Christ before their death. The Thief, unknowingly, has been part of the Plan of God to be an inspiration and path which the Thief is accumulating rewards over time.
Everyone, of us, though the littlest of things, can unknowingly causing others to make Salvation decisions that we can earn some rewards along with inspiring other Christians to grater works.
| Luke 23:39-43 | 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” |
Two other great examples are:
In the scriptures, there is the parable of the man who was cast out of the wedding for not wearing the correct garment. Many Biblical Scholars state that this parable is pertaining to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. The scriptures point to the conclusion that there will be many people, who have Salvation, but are not invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, Rev. 19:6-9. Many Christians are never taught that:
because rewards are based on:
| The following is an excerpt from the
Wedding Supper of
the Lamb: In the "Parable of the Wedding" by a king for his son, spoken by Jesus Christ in Matthew 22, we learn that there was a wedding guest that came wearing his own wedding garment. There are two primary questions concerning this Parable:
There is more to the Parable besides versus 10 through 13. The point of these specific verses in the Parable, is they reflect:
Summary Interpretation: There are many Biblical Scholars who have come to the conclusion that this Parable is teaching us that "Outer Darkness" is not the Lake of Fire. The Outer Darkness represents an exclusion from the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. The man, who was cast out, was a Believer who had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior; but lacked or did actions that did not allow his participation in this one event. This man is suffering a loss of status and privilege that is emotionally devastating. This interpretation is not without controversy and it should not divide us. The point is we all need to understand that faithfulness, obedience and our relationship with Jesus Christ matters. Remember 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, listed above, "saved: yet as through fire." In contrast to this view, there is the interpretation that this man, who was a guest, was not Saved. Some theologians will give Mathew 7:23 as evidence but other Biblical Scholars will point out that this section of scripture has nothing to do with the Parable. Notice in Matthew 7:23 that Jesus says "I never knew you". In Matthew 22:12, the King is saying hello friend which means he is known. Going back to Matthew 7:23, Jesus is not saying "I knew you at one time and then I didn't know you later." Additionally, the "friend" of Matthew 22:12 wanted to be at the wedding, where this author believes the preponderance of scriptures point to the unsaved person, before death, as never wanting to be in God's service so they would not have come to the wedding.
An additional insight on the "gnashing of teeth" to indicate it is referring to people who have Salvation but are not invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb is Matthew 24:45-51. The Matthew passage is dealing with the Rapture event, where the analogy given by Jesus Christ is discussing good servants compared to bad servants. The key is recognizing that the servants, are serving God, even the bad ones because of the reference of hypocrites that are caught unaware not serving the Master (God).
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The main point of the verses in Matthew 7:20-23, is about those who were never in God the Father's service or accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Those people who will be cast into the Lake of Fire, try to say they used Jesus Christ's name to do things but Jesus Christ informs them that He never knew them. It would like someone who gave money to build a church and had their name listed as a donor, but this person did it for political reasons, tax donations purposes, networking with others, and wanting their name displayed on the side of the building.
Recall in the Wedding Parable, the King called the man "friend". Matthew 7:20-23 does not contradict the interpretation that the Wedding guest is a Saved Believer who is suffering loss from not living a Christ centered life or believing in self-righteousness after obtaining Salvation, like the Laodiceans..
There are a few points of mutual warnings with the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and the parable of the Foolish Virgins Parable of Matthew 26:1-13, as Jesus Christ is teaching us about loss. The Foolish Virgins are experiencing a loss because they were not prepared for the wedding, when the groom arrived to take them from their parent's home. The wise virgins went with the groom and the foolish virgins were left behind. The Oil for the Lamps in the Foolish Virgins Parable is an idiom for the Holy Spirit, so many Biblical Scholars believe the foolish virgins represents those who had not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
The Foolish Virgins, are thought also to be similar to those who are in the Church of Thyatira, in the Book of Revelation, who are told they will go through the Great Tribulation unless they repent. It is the thought of most Biblical Scholars, and this author's opinion, that once anyone accepts Salvation then they will be Raptured before the Tribulation Period begins. Those in the Church of Thyatira are those who go to church and believe in God, but have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
The warning, by Jesus Christ in the Foolish Virgins parable, is to give notice to everyone, who God knows will be Saved, to accept Salvation before the Tribulation period begins. God exists outside of all Time Domains where He knows who and when someone will accept Salvation, so Jesus is saying to do it now rather than later. The Foolish Virgins are like the people who were planning on accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, while still being in a Christian Fellowship, but had not done so, but will. We all know of people going to Church for many years, who then participate in an Alter Calling to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, where we had no idea that they had not already done it.
Click on this link for more information on the Foolish Virgins Parable of Matthew 26:1-13.
The good news for all those who are Saved, is we will all be given White Robes and Palm Branches in worship as described in the Book of Revelation. The point is that all of us, that are Saved, will be with God and we will not be removed from Heaven, but there are some in Heaven who will not be at some events that required Faithfulness and Obedience. This should make all of us want to strive for the prize as Philippians 3:14 instructs us.
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Revelation 7:9-11 |
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, |
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Philippians 3:14-16 |
14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk. |
In the Millennial Kingdom period and eternity with the new earth and universe, the over-comers will have special status and rights with Christ as many scriptures, such as those in Revelation informs us. All of us, who are Saved, are still in Heaven with Jesus Christ and that is always the most important part, but we all need to never stop trying to better. All of us are a continued work-in-progress.
| Revelation 2:26 | The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, |
| Revelation 2:7 | He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ |
| Revelation 3:21 | The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. |
| Revelation 3:12 | he one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. |
| Revelation 3:5 | The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels. |
| Revelation 2:17 | He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ |
| Revelation 2:10 | Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. |
By the whole of Scripture, it is very evident that God is showing us His great Love that is surpassing our ability to comprehend. Paul spoke that he had knowledge of the 3rd Heaven that could not be spoke about. In modern times, there have been many people who have had Near Death Experiences where they describe:
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2 Corinthians 2-4 |
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows 4. and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. |
J Vernon McGee once said that one of the proofs of the Bible is the Bible does not tell us much about Heaven. On Earth, a Salesman always finds a way to make something he is selling to always sound better than it really is. God does not do this in the Bible. Many Biblical Scholars have pointed out this is a verification, that is of course one of so many verifications, of the authenticity.
This excerpt is from the web link: https://www.khouse.org/articles/2009/882/print/ that is from Chuck Missler on the Greek explanation of the Matthew 22:13:
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What to read next?
What is Salvation? Is it possible to lose Salvation? We have eternal life. Evolution is not real. When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it. Do we Tithe? What does the 3rd Commandment tell us? What is Grace and Mercy? Is there an Age of Accountability? Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?