Reward and Inheritance in the Heavenly Perspective
The concept of reward and inheritance in the heavenly perspective is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The biblical anchor for this concept can be found in various passages that speak of a future inheritance and reward for believers. For instance, Job 31:2 asks, "For what is God's reward from on high, or the heritage given by the Ruler of all from heaven?" [1]. This question highlights the idea that there is a divine reward and inheritance that comes from God.
In the New Testament, the concept of reward is closely tied to the idea of serving Christ and living a life of faith. According to Colossians 3:24, believers will receive "the reward of the inheritance" from the Lord, which is understood to be eternal life and happiness in heaven [5]. This reward is not earned through works but is a gift from God through faith in Christ.
The nature of this inheritance is described in various biblical passages. In 1 Peter 1:4, it is referred to as "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" [6]. This inheritance is not just a future possession but is already assigned to believers by title, with the actual entrance into its possession being a future hope.
The heavenly inheritance is also associated with the new heaven and the new earth, as described in Revelation 21:1, where it is written, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away" [2]. This new creation is seen as the ultimate dwelling place of God's people, where they will experience the presence of God and Christ.
Different Christian traditions interpret the concept of reward and inheritance in various ways. For instance, John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life to attain the heavenly reward [4]. Similarly, Reformed theologians like John Gill understand the inheritance to be a gift of God through Christ, emphasizing the role of faith in receiving this gift [7].
The book of Revelation provides a vivid description of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, which is seen as the ultimate expression of the heavenly inheritance. According to Revelation 21:21, the city is described as having gates made of pearls and streets of gold, symbolizing its glory and beauty [3]. This vision is meant to encourage believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that they have a glorious future ahead of them.
The concept of reward in the heavenly perspective is also closely tied to the idea of judgment. According to Revelation 22:12, Christ says, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" [8]. This indicates that the reward is given based on one's deeds, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Sources
- Job “Job 31:2 (BBE) — For what is God's reward from on high, or the heritage given by the Ruler of all from heaven?”
- 2 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Peter 3:13: 3:13 the new heavens and new earth: See Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 21:21: 21:21 Things that are precious and luxurious on earth are common building materials in heaven.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 13:17 13:23 James 1:6 2:13 2:19 2:26 3:11 4:3 1 Peter 1:3 1:12 2:13 2:21 2:21 2:22 2:22 2:22 5:5 5:8 5:8 5:8 2 Peter 2:4 3:13 1 John 2:9 3:2 3:8 4:8 Revelation 1 1:4 1:9 1:11 1:16 1:20 2 3 3:12 14:1 14:4 14:13 15:6 20:9 22:16 Tobit 12:9 Wisdom of Solomon 1:4 1:14 11:23 11:24 14:16 Sirach 2:2 2:2 2:4 2:10 2:11 2:27 3:10-12 3:11 5:6 6:14 6:16 6:34 7:6 7:31 9:13 9:15 10:9 10:12-13 11:1 11:2 11:3 11:3 11:4 11:15 11:28 12:13 13:15 14:9 15:9 16:3 18:13 18:13 19:14-15 20:20 21:2 22:21-22 23:17 23:17 25:1 25:1 25:11 26:27 28:6 31:1 32:10”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 3:24: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance,.... This is said for the encouragement of Christian servants, who, though they may receive little or nothing from their earthly and carnal masters; yet they shall be used and treated as children by the Lord, and by whom they will be possessed of an eternal inheritance, after their work and labour is over: by "the reward of the inheritance" is meant the heavenly glory, called a reward, because the apostle is speaking to servants and therefore uses language agreeable to them; and who, though th”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:4: To an inheritance--the object of our "hope" (Pe1 1:3), which is therefore not a dead, but a "living" hope. The inheritance is the believer's already by title, being actually assigned to him; the entrance on its possession is future, and hoped for as a certainty. Being "begotten again" as a "son," he is an "heir," as earthly fathers beget children who shall inherit their goods. The inheritance is "salvation" (Pe1 1:5, Pe1 1:9); "the grace to be brought at the revelation of Christ" (Pe1 1:13); "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." incorruptible--not”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 3:18: For if the inheritance be of the law,.... By the inheritance is meant, either the eternal inheritance, everlasting life and happiness in heaven, which is the gift of God through Christ, and not attained to and enforced by the works of the law; or particularly the blessing of justification, promised in the covenant to Abraham, and his spiritual seed; even to the Gentiles, and inherited by them; which is not obtained through obedience to the law of works, nor does it belong to those who seek for it by the deeds of the law, for these are not heirs of it; see Rom 4:14.”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 22:12: And, behold, I come quickly,..... This is repeated, to confirm the truth of Christ's second coming, and the speediness of it, and to point at the time when the above shall be, and to add what follows. And my reward is with me: which words are taken out of Isa 40:10 and which being compared together, furnish out a clear proof of Christ being the true Jehovah, the eternal God. There is a reward of debt, or a due reward, a reward of punishment, which is the just recompense of reward, which, shall be righteously given to wicked men for their sin, Heb 2:2 and there is”