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Post by evanschaible on May 4, 2006 16:47:48 GMT -5
I was studying some time ago these verses, coupled with others... 1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. The reason I bring this up is because the other day, my mothers friend came by our house and naturally I brought up the Bible. Somehow we ended up on this topic and I expressed how I belive that some will recieve rewards, others will suffer loss. Both my Mom and her friend BLEW UP and started railing on this teaching. They said things like "So ill have a smaller mansion then oother people" and "Ill have more stars in my crown than other people". They reasoned by saying they couldnt understand or visualize it because there is no pride in heaven. I tried to explain it, but they didnt "buy it" if I may use that phrase. So, I fugured I would post it here and let all of you hash it out and we can figure it out together. What do you feel about rewards at the Judgement seat (I have already heard the judgement seat of Christ by Ravenhill, no links are necessary ) How do you see loss (punishment) at the judgement seat?
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 4, 2006 17:37:46 GMT -5
i want to say that i agree with your mother and her friend, but it may be a misunderstanding on your part, or on our part because you are not explaining yourself well (sometimes it happens). i believe that the bible supports that all are created equal in the eyes of god. also, sin is sin, right? there is no sin that outweighs another, and i think it likewise with righteousness and good deeds. however, although agnostic, i am of the belief that the bible teaches that good deeds are not what gets you to the 'pearly gates.' i do know that the book of james reinforces that faith without good works is dead, and you can tell the 'fruits' of a person by his deeds. so, taking all of this, i think that heaven is the reward for christians...and i am wary of any scripture and/or person who says you will have mansions of so-and-so size and gold, etcetera. what i have been taught about judgment is that you will have to account for all your sins. this is the only thing that separates one believer from another, because we all have committed different sins. this is what i think, keyword: think, you are talking about, but i do not think i've even come across theology that speaks of differing awards amongst believers. i hope this helps, and if i am on the wrong track...ignore it or feel free to explain it to me again. sometimes things take me two or three times to pick up. haha. anyway...
your friendly agnostic, dmclayton
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Post by evanschaible on May 4, 2006 18:25:13 GMT -5
No No No. Reward for WORKS. Like preaching, Praying, handingout tracts. That kind of thing. If you are faithful to the will of God you will be rewarded, if not, you will suffer loss.
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 4, 2006 23:13:56 GMT -5
do you mean in this life, or in heaven?
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Post by josh on May 5, 2006 0:13:25 GMT -5
I don't know why people worry about what rewards, and what crowns we will get in Heaven, as we will cast them at the feet of the Lamb of God.
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Post by Josh Parsley on May 5, 2006 8:57:42 GMT -5
I believe that there will be some will have more or less rewards. I thought it was clear in that scripture. Of course there isn't pride in heaven. If your prideful you won't even be there.
I think if you labor and only look for rewards you probably won't get any! I think of it this way. I will be glad to see my brothers and sisters who have labored more than I get a greater reward. I give glory to God for their works. Let the Lord reward them appropriately!
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Post by Josh Parsley on May 5, 2006 8:59:59 GMT -5
I won't be envious if Paul, John Wesley, George Whitefield, and greats like that get a bigger reward than me. I will glory with them!
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Post by messengermicah on May 5, 2006 10:03:37 GMT -5
Evan,
I agree with your original point, but I think the passage your are talking about is referring to what doctrines people are teaching. Read it again carefully and let me know what you think.
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Post by messengermicah on May 5, 2006 10:08:50 GMT -5
2 Corinthians 5:9-11-Wherefore we labor that whether present or absent we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that everyone may receive the things done in his body according to that which he has done whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men.
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Post by ejuliot on May 5, 2006 12:15:19 GMT -5
It reminds me of Philippians 2 Phi 2:7 ...But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Phi 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phi 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Phi 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Phi 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In no way am I saying we will receive equal rewards with Christ or anything crazy like that, but I think this passage shows the character of the father. Christ made himself the servant and the Father rewarded him for that, but as verse 11 says "to the glory of God the Father." I believe that (just as in the parable of the talents Matt 25:14-30) God will reward them who have been faithful servants but those rewards are not for pride or even for prestige but they are given in order to glorify God. So, I believe the crowns are given as a reward to those who have been faithful but they will be cast at the feet of Jesus to glorify him. My goal is not to get to heaven and receive a lot of rewards, but I strive to do those things which will receive rewards because it glorifies God (ex: 2Ti 4:8, Jam 1:12, 1Pe 5:4, 1Pe 5:4). Does that make sense?
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Post by evanschaible on May 7, 2006 8:31:37 GMT -5
Yes, I agree with you Micah, but the basic idea is still the same. Reward and loss is clearly taught in scripture. I was just windering everyones opinion.
As for other people, I think God will judge us by what we have been given to do. If someone was more faithful with what God gave them then John Wesley, I think that they will recieve a greater reward. "Whatsoever he saith unto you do it."
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Post by messengermicah on May 7, 2006 10:43:03 GMT -5
Amen Evan. I agree.
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