What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven?

Answer

The Bible mentions rewards in heaven several times (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23, 35; 1 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 9:18). But why are rewards necessary? Won’t being in heaven with God be sufficient? Experiencing Him, His glory, and the joys of heaven will be so marvelous that it’s challenging to comprehend why additional rewards would be required. Also, since our faith relies on Christ’s righteousness rather than our own (Romans 3:21-26), it seems peculiar that our works would earn rewards.

God will grant rewards in heaven at the bema, or the judgment seat of Christ, based on our faithfulness in serving Him «For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. », (2 Corinthians 5:10). The rewards will demonstrate the reality of our sonship «Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. », (Galatians 4:7) and the righteousness of God «For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. », (Hebrews 6:10). God will provide rewards in heaven to fulfill the law of sowing and reaping.Reaping (Galatians 6:7-9) and fulfilling His promise that our work for the Lord is not without purpose “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”, (1 Corinthians 15:58).

One reason for heavenly rewards is that Jesus shares His reward with us. Paul stated, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”, (Galatians 2:20). Our lives are “hidden” with Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-4). We die with Him, live with Him, and partake in His joy (Romans 6:8; Matthew 25:21). In heaven, we will dwell with Him (John 14:1-3). Our lives are closely connected with Christ’s. The reward He receives is shared with all of us: “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”, (Romans 8:17).

Our rRewards in heaven depend on the goodness and power of God. Through Christ’s resurrection, we receive an inheritance in heaven; on earth, our faith is tested and leads to praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:3-9). The things we do in this life are only permanent (that is, carried with us into heaven) if they are built on the foundation, which is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

The rewards we receive in heaven differ from those we attain on earth. We often think in material terms—mansions, jewels, etc. However, these are merely symbols of the true rewards awaiting us in heaven. A child who wins a spelling bee cherishes the trophy not for the trophy itself but for its significance. Similarly, any rewards or honor we receive in heaven will be precious because they symbolize our relationship with God—and because they reflect what He accomplished through us on earth.

In this manner, heavenly rewards glorify God and bring us joy, peace, and wonder as we reflect on God’s work in us and through us. The closer we draw to God in this life, the more focused on Him and conscious of Him, the more reliant on Him, the more in need of His mercy, the more there will be to rejoice in. We are like characters in a story facing doubt, loss, and fear, questioning if our heart’s desires will ever be fulfilled. When the happy ending arrives and desires are met, there is a sense of fulfillment. The story would lack satisfaction without that conclusion. Heavenly rewards represent the culmination of our earthly narrative, and these rewards will bring eternal satisfaction «Thou wilt show me the path of life: In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.», (Psalm 16:11).

Psalm 16:11.