Treasures in Heaven

[Skeuos Eleos]

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matt. 6:19-21If laying up treasures on earth means accumulating money and possessions, most Christians assume that it follows that we can accumulate treasures in heaven and that, just as the more effort those of this world put into accumulating earthly wealth the greater "return" they usually see, so it is assumed that the more we work at being a good witness, help the poor, give our money away, etc, the more treasure we store up for ourselves in heaven. But is this right? Three issues with this interpretation occur to me and I'd be interested in what others think:

1. Since salvation is an entirely undeserved free gift not on the basis of our works but on the basis of God's election and the death, blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then how could it be that our heavenly reward is on the basis of our works?

2. What is this treasure in heaven? You see, I think there is a danger that since we think we have a pretty good idea what earthly treasures are we may carry that thinking over into what heavenly treasures are and liken them to worldly possessions, but since our greatest treasure is surely the Lord Himself, to be with Him, to see HIM face-to-face, to marvel and wonder and praise and prostrate and worship and adore and ... I'm not sure a concept of greater or lesser rewards fits with this image of a great throng of worshipping, glorified saints.

3 If our reward varies according to what we have done what would be the point of the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt. 20) who all got paid the same despite doing differing amounts of work?

On the other hand, hierarchical structures are everywhere in this world in politics, business and so on and clearly people receive differing gifts and abilities and seemingly differing degrees of grace from which it would seem reasonable to infer similar concepts in heaven, particularly when we consider that scripture does tell us about the special roles of the twenty-four elders and the 144,000 in Revelation. So, there could be varying rewards in heaven, albeit not on the basis of works but on the basis of grace. This would not be in conflict with the verses in Matt 6 in which we are commanded to lay up treasures in heaven since any good works that we do is produced by the grace at work within us anyway (1 Cor 15:10).

I think it would be good to discuss whether or not there are greater "degrees" of reward that can be stored up in heaven and, if so, whether it is according to good works or grace but, in doing this, let us not neglect also to consider the practical implications of how we lay up treasures in heaven.

[wildboar]

I struggled with this one for a little while. The following is one of the best answers I've found. It's taken from: http://www.prca.org/current/Doctrine/NEWS-G09.htm#Reward

Are There Degrees of Reward?

The question for this issue is one that is often asked: "I would be pleased to learn your views re rewards - are there degrees of these?" We suppose that the difficulty is (1) that the idea of rewards seems foreign to salvation by grace alone; and (2) that if we speak of degrees of reward, this seems to emphasize even more strongly that somehow merit or works are after all involved in our salvation.

That Scripture speaks of rewards cannot be doubted. Not only is the English word "reward" used innumerable times, but it is often a translation of words that mean "recompense," "wage," "repayment." Then, too, there are the many passages, that do not use the word, but have the idea of reward in them, passages such as Romans 2:6-11 and II Corinthians 5:10.

That there are degrees of reward seems clear from Scripture. Whether we think of it as reward or not, Scripture certainly speaks of different degrees of heavenly glory and blessing. There are first and last (Matt. 19:30; 20:16; Mk. 9:35; Lk. 13:30), greatest and least (Matt. 5:19; 11:11; Lk. 7:28) in the kingdom of heaven. The apostles will sit on twelve thrones, judging Israel (Matt. 19:28). Even in relation to the angels there are degrees, for the saints shall judge them (I Cor. 6:3) and they themselves are and shall be servants, ministering spirits, to God's people (Heb. 1:14).

Not only that, but when Scripture says that the "reward" shall be "according to works," it also implies different degrees of reward, for no matter what we say about those works, it is evident that not all have the same works. I Corinthians 3:11-15 confirms this when it tells us that some men's work shall abide and some shall be burned even though they themselves are saved.

All this seems to contradict the teaching of Scripture concerning grace. How can salvation be by grace alone without works, and there nevertheless be rewards? And, how can that reward be "according to works?"

The answer to these questions lies in the fact that the works which are rewarded, or which are the measurement according to which the reward is given, are themselves a gift of God (Eph. 2:8-10). That those works are rewarded, then, still leaves us with no merit or anything in which to glory before God. Indeed, we cannot possibly merit anything with God, even if we do all that is required of us! (Lk. 17:10).

The truth is really that God rewards His own work in us! He is both the sovereign, gracious Author of the works rewarded and of the reward itself. We cannot possibly receive any credit for those works when it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).

The reward, therefore, is the reward of grace. It is grace added to grace - one gift added to another - and rather than bringing praise to us, it brings all praise and glory to God. This is the reason, we believe, why Scripture so carefully says that the reward is "according to" works, and not "because of," works.

Our works, themselves a gracious gift of God, every one of them foreordained by God (Eph. 2:10), purchased by Christ, and given by the grace of the Holy Spirit, are only the measure of the reward, never the reason for it. And for that reason they are also a motive and reason to continue in good works (Phil. 2:12, 13).

Rev. Ronald Hanko

[wildboar]

In the most recent issue of the Standard Bearer there is an article on whether or not God rewards our good works, it can be found here: http://www.prca.org/current/Standard_Bearer/15_December_2003.htm#Taking%20Heed%20to%20the%20Do ctrine:

[Skeuos Eleos]

WB, thankyou for that. I also found the articles it contained by David Engelsma reviewing Iain Murray's book "Wesley, and men who followed" and by Herman Hanko on Amyraldianism most interesting too.

Martin

[Brandan Kraft]

I need to read the book. I believe Wesleyanism is heresy of the worst sort. I believe my pastor recently suggested the book as it was a wonderful read for him..

Brandan

[wildboar]

Skeuous:

Yes, Banner of Truth has provided us with a number of excellent books from the past but seems much friendlier to those who preach Arminianism than true Calvinists.

The article on the Covenant in that issue is very interesting as well. It's taken from a previously unpublished work written by Herman Hoeksema. He critiques the popular CT position on the Counsel of Peace and other issues.

Sola Gratia,
WildBoar

[Brandan Kraft]

I subscribe to banner of truth and love it. But like any group or person - no one person has a complete corner on the truth. It does appear to me that BOT is kind of weak in its understanding of calvinism, but I still like it.

[Skeuos Eleos]

Well, maybe somebody should start a new magazine presenting the rare views that have been crystalizing here on 5Solas recently?? ;)

...


Of course, the name could be a bit of a problem...


"Taking a Stand against Arminianism, Pelagianism, Amyraldianism, Manichaeism, Marcionism, genuine free offer-ism, Common Grace-ism, Two wills-in-God-ism, Dispensationalism, Paedo B... (oops, sorry, WB!), etc" would be too long I suppose? :D

[Robert R. Higby]

All this seems to contradict the teaching of Scripture concerning grace. How can salvation be by grace alone without works, and there nevertheless be rewards? And, how can that reward be "according to works?"

Although I don't want to make this a major issue , for me there are no degrees of reward in heaven. Eternal life itself is the reward of grace. God has no greater reward to give.

In damnation, however, there certainly is much difference of judgment according to works. Wrath is with measure, grace is without measure. By definition grace does not allow for varying reward.

I know that many will diagree with this--but it is my conviction, after reading all the scriptures a hundred times that many propose as teaching degrees of reward in heaven.

[wildboar]

SE:

That's okay, you guys can leave me out. I have the "Standard Bearer" :D The "Blue Banner" is pretty good most of the time too.

Sola Gratia,
WildBoar

[Skeuos Eleos]

BT,

I agree that there are not varying degrees of reward based upon works – that would indeed contradict the doctrines of Grace. However, I think the point being put forward in the quoted articles is that there are varying degrees of reward according to grace. Personally, I think the verses used to support this view are ambiguous. They speak only of a reward – not of varying degrees of reward. However, by good inference from God’s dealings with mankind in other regards the case could be made that just as God is sovereign in choosing to make some as vessels of honour and mercy and others as vessels of wrath and dishonour, just as God is also sovereign in determining whether we are born into a rich family in a rich country, or the poorest of the poor, just as God seems to grant greater faith and ‘works’ unto some than to others, so also could God be sovereign in granting different degrees of ‘treasures’ in heaven. I think treasures may be a better word than ‘reward’ since it doesn’t imply a reward for works (although I am aware that Jesus urges us to store up treasure in heaven!)

Although I appreciate that you “don't want to make this a major issue” I would nevertheless appreciate your comments on the above.

Martin

[Robert R. Higby]

Martin,

I won't quote as this would simply repeat your last post!

My position would be that eternal life is the reward according to grace and that this reward is infinite and eternal. Life to the fullest in fellowship with Christ forever. God cannot give more reward than this. If we consider some of the concepts of varying reward, I find them to be most ludicrous.

Paul stated that the 'crown of righteousness' given by Christ awaited him and all those that love his appearing. No matter how many or few souls were influenced for salvation in a believer's life, how much or little any believer has suffered, how long or short was the service of any for the gospel in this life, etc. One crown, not many. The crown of righteousness is life with God to the fullest for eternity.

I would certainly be open to discuss any scripture that some think teaches difference in reward.

Thanks,

[Jabbok]

Degrees of reward have always been confusing to me. If I'm going to be content, satisfied, happy, etc. in heaven and there is no envy, jealousy, covetousness, etc. then how would I be able to distinguish a reward of degrees? A bronze metal would be just as satisfying as a gold metal. If your seat was closer to the Lord than mine, wouldn't I just be glad for you?

[Robert R. Higby]

Yes, Jabbok, but then--why do we conceive of medals distributed in eternity to begin with?

Christ alone is our reward! There is no greater.

[disciple]

Yes, Jabbok, but then--why do we conceive of medals distributed in eternity to begin with?

Christ alone is our reward! There is no greater.amen bob! preach the New Covenant good news!!

sorry to post a "me-too/amen" post...i just couldn't resist ;)

[Skeuos Eleos]

Christ alone is our reward! There is no greater.I will avoid another 'amen'!

I have been reflecting on how the word 'know' in the NT can mean more than just 'know' as we use the word in every day speech but implies also 'love' and I thought about 1 Cor 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known
Could it be that I should be able to love Him with all my heart!?! To marvel and wonder and worship and adore, unencumbered by the distractions of this jar of clay?

O, how my heart longs for that!

Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

Martin

[Robert R. Higby]

Wow, is this one good!

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.

That is knowing to the fullest! That is reward to the fullest! There can be no higher.

[Brandan Kraft]

Agreed, that is indeed a wonderful thought.