Eternal View
Good Morning,
I often refer people to the subject of eternal rewards and coming judgment. It is one of the most frequent subjects mentioned in the Scripture. Paul mentioned it when he was jailed and standing before those who might be able to free him from prison.
Acts 24:25 “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
That is an outline worthy of much pulpit time, “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.”
In Daniel 12:3 God speaks of this; “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
Consider these examples:
Matthew 13:43 “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Matthew 19:28 “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
John 4:36 “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
1 Corinthians 1:8 “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:10 “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; “
Philippians 2:16 “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
1 Thessalonians 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?”
I have no idea how often the Lord refers to rewards, judgment, and our eternal state, but it is mentioned frequently throughout the Scripture. Now, if the subject of eternity, rewards, and judgment is all through the Bible, and if by chance, your pastor does not deal with the matter regularly, then I suggest you start praying for your pastor or find another church.
Regardless of what pastors are doing, let me make some suggestions that are all based on one simple statement out of the book of Amos, “prepare to meet thy God.”
Amos 4:12 “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.”
In preparing, I suggest:
1. Make sure of your salvation.
2. Find the basic principles of Christian living in the Scriptures and apply yourself diligently to obedient living.
3. Develop a faithful prayer life and a consistent time of Bible reading each day in order to equip yourself to serve God and represent Him well.
4. Join a faithful, Bible-believing, Baptist church and get involved to the greatest extent possible.
5. Remind yourself regularly that this life on earth is brief, but that your service here will influence your eternity in Heaven; rewards will come.
This silly idea that everyone is going to Heaven, that we will all enjoy the same benefits and opportunities, and that there will be no differences between us when we walk the golden streets is not just silly, it is unscriptural and a deadly lie that will destroy the future hopes of countless Christians.
Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Revelation 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
Live with eternity in view.
Pastor