Pastor Dirk Gieser said something in his sermon yesterday that gave me a new perspective on eternal rewards for faithfulness in this life. [1]
The first part of his sermon underlined the fact that because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice the believer can stand confidently before Him upon arrival in Glory and never again fear condemnation for sin. At the same time, there’s reason to strive for holiness and faithfulness in our walk with Christ because a moment of judgment does await us. The Scriptures give much evidence that there is a “judgment seat” experience awaiting us in which Christ will reward those who have been faithful throughout their earthly sojourn. [2] When Dirk described that “judgment” encounter with Christ as CELEBRATION, my whole expectation for that moment changed.
I’ve often wondered what a heavenly “reward” could be for faithfulness to Him now, but never knew quite what to think. I knew it would be incredibly good because it will endure “testing.” [3] And I knew that the reward for faithfulness would be glorious because there’s a “crown” involved, and that the glory prepared for us will outweigh ANY sacrifice or suffering here – beyond comparison! [4]
But what will it be like – those moments of reward or lack of reward for my life in Him? Will I stand or bow before Jesus as King and receive His Kingly bestowal? Or, will it be, as I see it now, the Lord putting His arm around my shoulders and saying, [5]
“Let’s take a look at what you experienced and your faithfulness to me. See there! See when you were faithful to me even though tested to the point of giving up. Let’s celebrate that moment! And look there – when you were faithful to me even though suffering such deep hurt and loss. Let’s celebrate that moment with a party! Well done, faithful servant, enter my great joy – my celebration of your life with me!”[6]
O happy day! I understand better now what Peter means when he says that if the virtues of Christ’s life are added to our own that one day we will enjoy an abundant entrance into His Kingdom. [7] Julia always said she wasn’t planning on dragging her feet or slinking through the gates of heaven but bursting through and running with great joy to meet her Savior. [8] I say, AMEN to that!
Thank you, Pastor Dirk, for such a refreshing vision of heaven in one word.
[1] https://encountererc.com/sermons
[2] 1 Corinthians 3:11-13; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
[3] Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10; 1 Peter 1:6-9
[4] 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 2:8-11, 3:7-12
[5] Come to Jesus Gentle & Lowly in Heart
breathingbygraceblog 
Thank you, Pastor Dave for sharing this. I, too, have imagined slinking before the judgement seat with my head hung low as my life’s performance was judged, but thanks to you and Dirk, I can see that I am judged “in Christ,” as Paul would say. What a celebration!!
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