DIFFERENTIAL REWARDS IN HEAVEN

Years ago when I was leading a Sunday school class, I was approached by a class member who showed me a rather large book on the subject of rewards (not reward) in heaven. He felt that it would form the excellent basis of a semester's study for the class. I did not seriously consider that proposal for several reasons. In the first place, Jesus always shied away from providing information to his followers regarding the afterlife, even when they pressed him. Secondly, I felt at the time, and still feel, that fixation on what we might get as rewards for being a Christian was diametrically opposed to Christ's teachings. However, for those whose curiosity compels them to know more about differential rewards in heaven for believers, some of the following passages may provide the few hints we have in the Bible on the subject:

Matthew 18:1

Matthew 20:21-23

Matthew 19:27-28

Mark 10:28-30

Mark 10:31

Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 5:12

Matthew 10:41-42

Luke 19:16-19

Matthew 25:20-23

John 14:2

I Corinthians 3:5-8

I Corinthians 3:10-15

Ephesians 6:5-8

Colossians 3:23-24

Revelation 2:22-23

Revelation 22:12

II Timothy 4:8

Revelation 4:10-11