JOHN 14:1-2 REWARDS IN HEAVEN

 Q:  I was once asked this question by an unbeliever, “If you expect a reward for living the Christian life, aren't you more selfish than those who live a moral life expecting nothing in return?”

I think your friend is correct in that we shouldn't dwell on our heavenly reward, certainly not as a motive for our deeds, rather than the more appropriate motives of love and gratitude. A Sunday school co-teacher wanted our class to spend one semester going through a thick book he had been read outlining all of the specific rewards we get in heaven. I felt that it would be counterproductive, and we chose another subject. But it does bring up the general question of differential rewards in heaven in addition to the common heavenly reward of all believers.

Here are some Scriptures commonly quoted to show that we will all have different rewards when we get to heaven:

1. John 14:1-2: “In my Father's house are many rooms.” In the context, this means that there will be plenty of room for all to console them; not as an appeal to their love of the highest rewards. Certainly there is no hint that some of the “rooms” will be bigger than others.

2. Then there is are oft-quoted words of Jesus: “The first shall be last and last shall be first”

These words appears at the end of the parable of the laborers in the field (Matthew 20:1-16), but it is clear that there is one common reward for all the laborers. In this case, it is probably directed at the Pharisees, who will find themselves outstripped by those who believe Jesus' words even though they are not as learned in the law.

In Luke 13:28-30 this phrase concludes Jesus' story about people coming to God and he says, “I do not know you.” “First and last” in this case clearly applies to Gentiles vis-a-vis Jews.

Mark 10:28-31: Rewards on earth may be proportional to sacrifices (but also note the addition of “persecutions”) while only one reward in heaven is mentioned for all. The “first and last” saying harkens back to rich ruler discussion in vv. 23-27.

3. In Mark 10:35-43, James and John seek special honors. Notice that Jesus deflects the question, hinting that there may be special positions in heaven but turning the question around to their responsibilities in the here and now.

4. And then there are the “crown” references:

2 Tim. 4:8: Paul gets a crown but so do others.

James 1:12: A crown is promised to all who love him.

Revelation 4:10-11: In any case, the crowns are likely to be cast at the feet of the only one who is truly worthy to receive them.

5. Matthew 5:1-12: The beatitudes are not enumerated to point out the differences in each type of Christian's reward, but to show that whatever our needs are, they will be met in heaven and that no good deed will go unnoticed by God. Otherwise, a more literal reading would indicate that only the pure in heart, in contrast to the merciful, etc., will see God.

6. The same thing applies to the promises in the letters to the churches (Revelation 2-3). There are many specific promises (white stone, new name, etc) but each reward goes to everyone who conquers.

7. Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:20-23): This would have been an excellent place for Jesus to teach that good servants will be rewarded differently in heaven according to works on earth, but instead, the same reward was given to both faithful servants. The purpose of the parable was to contrast the fate of the faithful with the unfaithful. The same purpose is intended in Revelation 22:12: “My reward is with me to repay according to everyone's work.” Read v. 11 for the context.