Greatness of God's Church: Hope SingaporeSample

The Greatness of the Church’s Reward Our reward in heaven is one that is promised to be ‘great’ (Matthew 5:12). This promised crown is one that last as we persevere and discipline ourselves in finishing the race of our faith (1 Corinthians 9:25). This reward is will be given to all those who will be faithful till the end, when Jesus comes again (Revelation 22:12). This reward, the crown, that the believers will receive are described in many ways in the Bible. It is described as the crown of righteousness for those who longed for Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of life for those who have endured testing (James 1:12), the crown of rejoicing for those who have seen souls saved (1 Thessalonians 2:19), the crown of glory for those who have faithfully served the people of God (1 Peter 5:4). These are rewards promised to God’s people and will be given when Jesus returns. In this life on earth, Jesus also promised the reward in terms of the fullness of life. In Greek, the word for full (abundant) is “perisson” which is translated as “over and above, superfluous, in every possible way, a more than sufficient amount, extraordinary, excessive, uncommon”. We are already given this abundant life when we received Jesus into our lives! We must know, even as small a service as a cup of cold water given in the Lord’s name (Mark 9:41) will not go without divine notice and reward. However, we need to understand that the rewards earned are totally a result of God’s grace since all successful labour for Christ is accomplished by Christ working in and through us. In Romans 15:18, Paul says he will not dare to speak of any accomplishment except those Christ has done through him. REFLECTION QUESTIONS • What rewards do you think you will receive when Jesus comes again? • How can you be more faithful in living out the life God promised and to fulfill the call of Jesus through His Church as you look towards His return?