The Bema Seat our Heavenly Rewards.

There is a great need in the body of Christ.  A few years ago I was in a rapidly growing church that was moving more and more over to an ear pleasing message of candy for the Saints.  Sadly much of the Church today is entertainment based, saying “I got blessed”.  “I didn’t get any thing out of todays worship”  We have turned church into a spectator sport when we are to be in the game.  The concept of the Bema seat and scripture indicate that “we are to run the race of faith”

What is The Bema Seat?

By Joshua Toupos

So much worship and teaching is delivered by ear pleasing candy men telling half truths who are afraid of the sheep.  So much so that over the years the saints at that church  will need a spiritual dentist to take care of all the cavities (an empty space within a solid object, in particular the human body) from all the sweets from the pulpit.  No not hardly even milk and certainly no meat of the word to sustain growing saints.

I was in this environment that I overheard one the directors  and another complain that they could not get people to help in the church and that the church was full of spiritual babies.  I said to the leader, that we should teach on the Bema Seat.  I got a blank stare, so I gave a short synopsis of the Bema Seat and it fell on deaf ears.   I am teaching today those who are  hungry for the truth.  All of it.  This study is an excellent overview.  Please be sure to watch all three videos.  The first two cover the rewards, the third video we will cover the loss of rewards on this day.  Sure to motivate the spirit filled Christian into producing a fruitful life unto our precious Lord Jesus.  Enjoy!

Below is an article I have attached.  I reviewed several sources, this brother did the best concise teaching overview I found.  Enjoy the video and article.  Spread the word.  We should not be ignorant of the great things God has for His saints that love Him.

What is the Bema Seat?

Source:Bema Seat  The concept of the Bema Seat comes from the ancient Olympics, where a judge would sit on the Bema Seat at the finish line. The judge’s purpose was to determine what position the runners came in-first, second, and so on-and then to give out the appropriate rewards. That is the imagery behind what is known as the Bema Seat.

Also known as the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Bema Seat is described in 1 Corinthians 3:1-15, “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his 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 man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” Your gold, silver, and costly stones are works done for the glory of God, with the right motive, and in dependence upon the power of the Holy Spirit.

Word Study on The Bema Seat βῆμα

1) a step, pace, the space which a foot covers, a foot-breath

2) a raised place mounted by steps

a) a platform, tribune

1) of the official seat of a judge

2) of the judgment seat of Christ

3) Herod built a structure resembling a throne at Caesarea, from which he viewed the games and made speeches to the people

There is some debate as to the exact timing of the Bema Seat. Some understand it to occur at the moment of death for each believer. Others believe the Bema Seat to occur during the end times, with all believers being judged at that time. It does not truly matter when the Bema Seat occurs. It is far more important that we be prepared for the Bema Seat.

It should be stated here that The Bema Seat is also going to be a scene of REWARDS LOST do to poor stewardship of the gifts that God has entrusted to us.  See Matthew 25 The Parable of Talents where our Lord Jesus gives us a sobering review that accounts will be settled and He expects us to work on His behalf.  The Apostle Paul also mentions in 1 Corinthians 3:9-23 reminds us that our work here on earth will be tried!   Be diligent is the message.  Motives are also in view here.  Love will be the key to giving of ourselves in selfless ministry and “man centered” works will be burned.

The Bema Seat, What it isn’t!

The Bema Seat judgment does not determine salvation. Rather, it is when believers must give an account of their lives to Christ. It is very important to not confuse the Bema Seat with the Great White Throne judgment. Revelation 20:11-15 describe this judgment, “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” The Great White Throne is where those who do not believe in Jesus Christ are judged and condemned.

The Great White Throne Judgment

In contrast, the Bema Seat is for believers whose salvation has already been secured by faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). We should not focus on the Bema Seat as Christ judging our sins, but rather as God rewarding us according to our lives.

Yes, we will surely have to give an account of our lives. Romans 14:10-12 explains, “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Part of this judgment is answering for the sins we committed. At the same time, I do not think judgment is going to be the focus of the Bema Seat.

In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul gives the Corinthian church an illustration of the Bema Seat, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Paul is teaching us that all Christians will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ. At the Bema Seat, Jesus Christ will bring to light every deed-good or bad-that each believer has done on earth since he or she became a Christian. Every Christian will be rewarded based on his words, deeds, and faithfulness.

Bema Seat – What is Our Judgment Based On?

At the Bema Seat of Christ, believers will be rewarded according to how faithfully they served, obeyed, and followed Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 9:4-27 for a detailed explanation.)

Some of the things we will likely be judged on are:

Whether we fulfilled our role in the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

Just how victorious we were over sin. Romans 6:1-4 reminds us, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Whether we were successful in controlling our tongue. James 3:1-9 says, “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

Whether the fruit of the Spirit was manifest in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

The Bible mentions Christians receiving crowns for various aspects of the Christian life and they are described in 2 Timothy 4:8, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” In response, believers will cast their crowns before the Lord’s throne saying, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).

Bema Seat – What is a Believer’s Response?

Are you prepared to stand before the Bema Seat of Christ? In Revelation 22:12, Jesus Christ declares, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Do you live your life out of gratitude for what Christ has accomplished for you? Our motivation for serving Christ is not the rewards in heaven, but rather a grateful and loving heart that sacrificially gives back to God. As a result of your love for Christ and appreciation for His of death on your behalf, serve God with all your heart and you will be rewarded at the Bema Seat. May the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 be true of us all! “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

I recommend you read all of 1 Corinthians 3 here before moving on.  You will see how this theme opens throughout scriptures.  Be blessed in your study.

Source:Rewards in Heaven | Crowns

1.  This first verse will tell us that every single one of us – no exceptions – will have to appear before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ to be judged for everything that we have ever done down here on this earth. Here it is:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things DONE IN THE BODY, according to what He has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Most Christians do not fully realize the seriousness of this verse – that we are all going to have to give an account to Jesus for everything that we have ever done down here on this earth – all of the good with all of the bad.

2.  This next verse will tell us that our rewards from God will be according to our labors that we have done for Him while living down here on this earth. Here it is:

“… and each one will receive His own reward ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR.” (1 Corinthians 3:8)

This verse is telling us that the rewards given to us by God will be totally dependent on what we accomplish for Him while living down here on this earth.

My interpretation on this verse is that the greater and better our labor and work is for the Lord in this life, the greater our rewards will be in heaven. I believe there will be a direct correlation between the two – greater service will be leading to greater rewards.

3.  This next verse will tell us that Jesus will be bringing His rewards with Him – and that He will be rewarding every person according to the work he or she has done for Him while living down here on this earth. Here it is:

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone ACCORDING TO HIS WORK.” (Revelation 22:12)

Again, not only is a heavenly reward being implied, but this heavenly reward will be based upon our earthly works.

Please note however that you cannot get to heaven based upon good works. The gift of eternal salvation is a free gift from God and is something that has to be accepted by faith. However, once you are saved, God expects you to do something with what time you still have left on this earth. He expects you to come and work for Him.

How well you work for God and what you accomplish for Him while down here on this earth is where the good works will be coming in. The gift of eternal salvation gets you into heaven, but good works will be getting you the bigger and better rewards once you enter into heaven. This is why the Bible says that “faith without WORKS is dead.”

4.  Here is another verse basically stating the same thing, even though the word rewards is not actually mentioned.

“… I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS.” (Revelation 2:23)

Jesus obviously has something to give to every believer once they enter into heaven. I believe this passage is implying that rewards will be given, and that these rewards will be based upon the good works you did for God while down here on this earth.

5.  This next verse tells us that God will be rewarding some of His own a hundredfold for having to leave family and friends in order to go to work for Him. This verse would definitely apply to all of the people who go off to the mission fields to other countries – leaving a lot of their families, friends and comfortable surroundings for their calls in God.

This verse tells us that these people will not only receive a hundredfold blessing in this life – but also in the age to come – which obviously refers to the next life they will have up in heaven. And when God says that these people will be receiving a hundredfold type blessing – you know we are talking about a major blessing, since He is a God of maximum intensity and a rewarder of those who will diligently seek after Him and serve Him. Here it is:

So Jesus answered them and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brother or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or land, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a HUNDREDFOLD now in this time … and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30)

All of the above verses are definitely telling us that God will be giving out some kind of rewards for any good works that are done for Him while living down here on this earth. However, the Bible does not tell us exactly what these rewards are going to be. I believe God is not telling us what these rewards are going to be in His Word because He wants to surprise us.

But if you take the fact that we are dealing with a God of maximum intensity and a God who will reward those who will diligently seek after Him – then my conclusion is that these rewards are probably going to be some really big intense rewards, and probably beyond anything that our imaginations can even begin to try and conjure up.

So the final conclusion would have to be:

That it really will be “worth your while” to fully surrender your entire life over to God the Father, let Him place you in His perfect will for your life – and then do the best job you can on whatever He calls you to do for Him on a daily basis with whatever time you still have left down here on this earth.

Do all of this, and I believe that when you enter into heaven, you will be appropriately rewarded beyond your wildest dreams!

Crowns

The Bible specifically talks about 5 different crowns that will be given to some of God’s people when they enter into heaven. If you look closely at what these crowns are going to be for – they will be for work that is done for God that is beyond the normal scope of what the average Christian may attempt to do. This is for work that goes far, above and beyond what the average Christian may actually strive for.

Heavenly Rewards – Our Crowns

Just like trophies, rings and plaques are given to sports heroes or winning teams in sports, God apparently is going to be doing the same thing in heaven. He will be giving out certain types of crowns for the people who were willing to go that extra mile, who were willing to give that extra special effort in whatever God had called them to do. These crowns will be a special reward that will be rewarding excellence and maximum effort.

These crowns will also be incorruptible and will last for all of eternity. They will be a special mark and a special token given by our Lord to honor and reward all of those who have faithfully served Him in this life – way above and beyond what the average Christian would have considered doing for Him. Now here are the five specific crowns mentioned in the Bible.

1. The Crown of Righteousness

This crown will be given to those who have lived a good and righteous for God while living down here on this earth.

I believe there are two definitions of the word righteousness in the Bible. The first definition is that we have now all been made righteous before God the Father as a result of Jesus dying on the cross for all of our sins. The righteousness of Jesus has now been imputed to us.

However, the second definition of the word righteousness refers to us living a good and righteous life for God the Father with what time we still have left down here. There are Christians who are righteous before God the Father as a result of being saved through the blood of Jesus Christ – but they are not living righteous lives in their actions, words and behaviors.

They are out committing adultery, scamming people through their jobs, abusing their spouses and children, doing drugs and abusing alcohol. These people may be saved in God’s eyes, but God is not too happy with the way they are living their lives. We all know Christians who are like this.

No one is perfect. We all have our character flaws, weaknesses, and certain temptations that we have a hard time in dealing with. God is not looking for total God-perfection.

The Bible says that all men have sinned and have fallen way short of the glory of our God. But what God does want from each one of us is at least some kind of concerted effort to try and live our lives “right.” To stay out of the heavier sins like adultery, stealing, cheating, and the abuse of alcohol or drugs. This is what is meant in Scripture in trying to live a righteous life. In other words – just do the right thing as best as you can and as often as you can.

We all know right from wrong! God just wants each one of us to choose to do the right thing when faced with certain temptations or choices to do something bad.

We also all know Christians who are “righteous” down to the very cores of their personalities. These are the people who never have anything bad to say about anyone else. They hardly ever lose their tempers, they are totally selfless and they would give you the shirt off their backs if they had to. We refer to them as being “saints, angels or angelic.” The world refers to them as “goody two shoes.” The world has always made fun of these types of people.

They never joined the crowds in high school or college in trying out drugs or the abuse of alcohol because it just never felt “right” to them. They were willing to be laughed at and ridiculed by others for not joining in with the rest of the crowd. They have always stayed true to themselves and to their convictions and would never go against their basic sense of right versus wrong.

These are the people you will be seeing wearing “crowns of righteousness” in heaven. These are the people that God is going to be rewarding big-time when they get into heaven because of the godly and righteous lives they have lived down here on this earth.

These types of righteous people just make the world we live in that much of a better place to live and work in because they are just so pleasant to be around and work with.

For those of you who may think being righteous is too corny and not being cool – just remember what the Bible has to say about this issue, and how highly God the Father really values this quality in His people! And when it is all finally said and done, these types of Christians will probably be receiving some of the greatest and biggest rewards that God can hand out once they enter into heaven. These people will end up having the last laugh on all of those who have made fun of them in this lifetime for always wanting to do the right thing.

The Bible says that many of the first will be last once we all enter into heaven and receive our final rewards from God based upon the earthly works we did for Him.

To live a righteous life for God will really be worth your while, as you will definitely be given this crown by God Himself once you enter into heaven and who knows what else from His bag of goodies! Here is the verse. This is the apostle Paul talking:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

I believe this verse is literal interpretation – that the crown of righteousness Paul is talking about is real, and that it will be given to those who will be deserving of it.

2. The Incorruptible Crown

Bible scholars feel this next verse implies that some will be given what could be considered a “victor’s crown.” And this crown is called incorruptible. The New King James Version calls it an “imperishable” crown – the Original King James Version calls it an “incorruptible” crown. Either way, it will be a crown that will last for eternity.

The subtitle of this passage in the New King James Version is called “Striving for a Crown.” The apostle Paul goes on to state that those who run in any kind of a race, all run with the goal of obtaining some kind of prize. He then goes on to state that those who run a race in order to win the prize are temperate in all things. In other words, there is a lot they have to give up in order to be in proper condition to run that race.

Professional athletes are a good example. They have to go through training camp to get ready for the season. They have to watch their diets and weight in order to be able to successfully compete in the sport they are in. They have to give up a lot of their social life in order to stay in good shape. In other words, they do not live normal lives like the rest of us do. They sometimes lose time away from their families.

Paul then goes on to state that the people who run in these types of races and are forced to be temperate in the way they live their lives, all do it to obtain a perishable crown. Paul then tells us that we should all run the race of this life to receive what will be an incorruptible or imperishable crown that obviously can only be given by God the Father in heaven.

The point to get is that God calls some people to do things that will require some sacrifice and temperance in the way they will live and conduct their lives. Some people may be called to be a Bible teacher in a far off and poor country. They will literally be working for pennies. They will have to sacrifice the bigger money they could have made had they stayed home in America and taught in the states.

I believe God is telling us in this passage that if He does put this kind of special call on your life that will require you to give up many of the normal things of this life – that you will be greatly rewarded for this sacrifice once you enter into heaven. This verse also seems to be implying that these people will also receive this imperishable crown for the sacrifices they were willing to make for God in order to successfully complete the call and mission God had called them to do.

Most people would not want to go through the rigors of trying to be a professional athlete, much less be willing to give up and sacrifice what athletes have to give up in order to be able to successfully compete in a professional sport. This is why athletes are so highly admired and respected in our society. Most people realize the time, commitment and sacrifice made by our athletes and they are thus well paid for their efforts and sacrifice.

Just as we respect, honor and pay these athletes for performing for us, God the Father will also be rewarding some of His own spiritual athletes if they are willing to go that extra mile for Him to complete what may be a difficult mission or call. Here is the verse:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.

Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an IMPERISHABLE CROWN. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Bottom line – run whatever race or call that God has set out for you. Run that race with certainty, purpose and intensity. Run that race to win. Run that race to be the best you can be for God at the position that He has called you to be on His team. Be willing to make whatever sacrifices it may take to successfully complete the mission and call God has set out for you.

If you are willing to do this for the Lord, you just may receive an “incorruptible victor’s crown” for going the extra mile for God and accomplishing for Him what many Christians would be to lazy to shoot for.

3. The Crown of Life

This next crown has been called by many the “martyr’s crown.” Jesus Himself says that He will give this crown to those who undergo severe hardship, testing, tribulation and/or physical death on His behalf.

The Bible doesn’t say anything about whether or not these 5 crowns are ranked in any way as to which is greater. However, if they are ranked in any way by God the Father in heaven, then I believe there is a very good chance that this next crown will be ranked #1 out of the 5 crowns available to all believers for special service.

I do not think there is any question that being willing to die for your faith in God and Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice! It is the greatest act of bravery and courage that you can show God the Father. And I believe that all of the Christians who have been martyred for their faith in God and Jesus throughout history will not only be given this crown of life, but will also be given some real special rewards once they enter into heaven.

I also wonder if this verse may be applying to all of the soldiers, policeman, firemen, etc. who have lost their lives in a combat situation for either our country, fighting to save someone from a burning fire or a policeman trying to save someone else’s life. I believe there is a very good chance that this verse does apply to all Christian men and women who have lost their lives trying to save someone else.

Jesus says that when you are trying to do something to help out the least of your brethren – that you are really doing it for Him! If that is the case, then I believe God the Father will be honoring each of these men and women’s death as a true martyr’s death, and thus will be rewarding them accordingly once they enter into heaven. Here is the verse:

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the CROWN OF LIFE.” (Revelation 2:10)

4. The Crown of Rejoicing

This next crown has been called the “soul winner’s crown.” The apostle Paul is calling those that he has saved his “joy” and his “crown of rejoicing.” The word “crown” seems to be implying that God will be giving a crown to those who have been instrumental in getting other people saved and led to Him through the blood of His Son.

If you compare this level of service with some of the other levels that will be rewarded with crowns, there is no doubt in my mind that God will be rewarding those who will try and get others saved with this special crown.

As I have said numerous times in my other articles, working for God to try and get other people saved is the greatest thing that you can do for another person while living down here on this earth. When you get someone else saved and brought to the Lord – you have just been the vessel used by God to give that person eternal salvation and eternal life.

The Bible does not say how many people you actually have to be instrumental in getting saved in order to be able to receive this crown. My guess is that it will be relative. God will simply be judging you by your willingness and desire to be used by Him to witness to others.

In our fast paced, materialistic, self-centered society, there are many Christians who are simply too busy to be willing to be used by God to try and get other people saved. This is a whole another article, so I won’t go any deeper. Just suffice to say that God can fit into your daily and weekly activities the opportunities for you to witness and work with others to get them saved. They could be some of your unsaved friends, family members or co-workers – people who are right in your own backyard.

God is a master in being able to organize and structure your everyday activities, and still have enough time left over in the course of a day, week or month in which to continue to build you up in His Word, and at the same time arrange for you to be able to help others out on a one-on-one basis for either witnessing to them get them saved, or teaching others about God and the Bible in order to help properly disciple them after they have been saved.

Here is the verse from Paul about this soul winner’s crown:

“For what is our hope, or joy, or CROWN OF REJOICING? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

Notice Paul calls those that are in the presence of Jesus at His second coming His “crown of rejoicing.” You cannot be in the presence of Jesus at His second coming unless you have been saved. People believe that Paul is thus implying that a crown will be given to those who are instrumental in getting others saved and into the presence of Jesus. I agree with that interpretation. I believe the words being used by Paul are again literal interpretation.

5. The Crown of Glory

This next verse is telling the elders of the church to “shepherd” the flock of God. Shepherds lead the flock into the ways and knowledge of God. They are teachers. These could be the Sunday school teachers, the pastors and ministers who teach the Word of God in their ministries or people appointed by God into the office of a teacher like a John McArthur.

I believe God will be giving His teachers and shepherds this crown due to the extreme importance of bringing up others into the knowledge and ways of God. Once you get saved, this is just the beginning. God wants you to grow in His knowledge and grace by reading the Bible and learning as much as you can about Him, His Son and His Holy Spirit. The problem is that the Bible is hard and dry for many people when they first try and read it on their own. They do not understand half of what they are reading. This is why teachers and shepherds are needed.

Most newborns cannot understand the Bible the first time or two they read it. They need immediate help after they are saved and are trying to learn more about God and all of His ways. The dropout rate for newborns is over 50% after the first year. I believe the main reason for such a high dropout rate is due to the lack of quality teaching and coaching from other Christians.

I believe God is always looking for teachers and shepherds to help teach and educate His flock. However, you have to spend some serious quality time in the Bible and have a good understanding of the basics before He can really use you to teach and educate others.

For those of you who have been in the Word for quite some time and have a real good understanding and grasp of all the basics – I really believe that God can use you to help teach and shepherd others. It doesn’t mean you have to sign up to teach a Sunday school or be promoted to the office of a teacher.

God can lead just a few people for you work with on a one-on-one basis at a time and pace that is convenient for the both of you to work at. The fact that God will be giving out a crown for this type of service shows you the extreme importance that He is placing on it! Getting someone saved is obviously the greatest thing you can do for another person, because with the gift of salvation comes the gift of eternal life.  Use Need God link Here.

However, being willing to teach and educate others into the ways and knowledge of God after they have been saved just might be the second greatest thing you can do for them this side of heaven. Here is the verse:

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.

SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the CROWN OF GLORY that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Again, I believe this verse is literal interpretation. A crown will be given that will not fade away. The only way a crown could be given that will not fade away is if the crown is given up in heaven where nothing perishes or fades away.

All of these crowns will be permanent, incorruptible and will never fade away. They will be eternal rewards bestowed upon those deemed to be deserving of them by God the Father for extra-ordinary service rendered on His behalf while living down here on this earth.

Conclusion

Though all of the above Scripture verses are implying crowns and rewards for those who will be deserving of them once we all enter into heaven – I personally feel that the greatest reward you can have is just simply the “good feeling” and “sense of approval” that you get knowing that you are in God’s perfect will for your life, and that you are doing the best you can with whatever He is asking you to do for Him on a daily basis.

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“But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18

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