The teachings of Jesus show us that there are two keys that determine everything about your eternity. The first is your belief. This key unlocks the door to eternal life and determines where you will spend eternity. The second key is your behavior. It unlocks the door to reward and determines how you will spend eternity.
Bruce Wilkinson A Life that God Rewards why everything you do today matters forever how will God reward you for your beliefs and your behavior? At the end of your life, you'll be judged by Jesus. There are two judgment events revealed in Scripture. The Great White Throne Judgment separates those who refuse to believe in Jesus from those who believe in him, those whose names do not appear in the book of life.
The non believers will be separated from God forever and sent to hell, where they will be punished for their sins. See Revelation chapter 20, verses 11 to 15 and Matthew 25:46. The second judgment is an award ceremony for believers. It's called the Bema Judgment seat. Only believers will be in this line here.
Christ will look at each person's life and reward him or her for the works that they have done. Yes, I said Reward. See John 5:22 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. So to make this crystal clear, you are saved by faith, not works. You can't work your way to salvation. Scripture does not support this idea.
And this salvation is not of yourselves, not through your own effort, but but it is the undeserved, gracious gift of God. You aren't saved through your effort or your works. The simple act of believing in Jesus and giving him your life saves you. Salvation is a gift from God to all who by faith believe in Jesus.
Would you give up an earthly pleasure that you could enjoy for 70 or 80 years to receive a heavenly treasure that would last forever? It isn't just big things. God rewards us for simple daily things we do. Don't just think of the big things like the heroes of our faith have done for God.
Think of the little daily things that you do and the things that you could do. Every little thing you do for God in love and obedience will be rewarded in heaven. Mark 9:41 Erv version I can assure you that anyone who helps you by giving you a drink of water because you belong to the Messiah will definitely get a reward.
Imagine that if someone helps you in some small way because you are a Christian, they will get a reward. Every kind deed, every act of forgiveness, every prayer, every instance of you loving others is recorded in your book. In heaven, every day is filled with opportunities for us to live, for God to love him by loving others.
Nothing is too small and nothing will go unnoticed.