These two matters of eternal significance should constantly be on the mind of every Christian: making it to heaven, and being handsomely rewarded by God in heaven.

Regarding making it to heaven, we must first of all know that we are saved by grace, and not works. (Ephesians 2:8, 9). However, if we are without works or fruit befitting a Christian, then our faith is dead (Galatians 5:22-23; James 2), and we are as good as nonbelievers headed to hell. That is why, in the same epistle in which Paul said that we are not saved by works but by grace, he also said that: “. . . no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:5-7). Therefore, it should constantly be on the mind of every Christian that although they were not saved by good behavior but by the unmerited favor of God (grace), their sinful living can/will disqualify them from heaven and the everlasting kingdom of God. Let us therefore “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:14-15).

Regarding the second issue of being handsomely rewarded by God in heaven, Paul addresses it also in the same epistle in which he says that we are saved not by works but by grace. He encouraged the slaves/bondservants to serve their masters well, for in so doing they were serving the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 6:5-7). He continued to tell them that, “. . . whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:8). In the book of Colossians, which is a sister epistle to the book of Ephesians, we understand that the “same” the Ephesians slaves were to receive from the Lord can also rightly be called “rewards”. Paul wrote and said that, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24). This should inform and encourage us that whatever the Lord tells us to do (including our jobs), and we do it with good motives, we shall be rewarded for it in heaven and eternity. Jesus is coming quickly with rewards, to give to everyone according to their work (Revelation 22:12).

Let us therefore live holy lives as Christians should, and let us labor for Jesus. That way, “. . . an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11), where we shall be rewarded handsomely – if we really served the Lord.

God bless you.