Promises from the Book of Revelation – Reward and Punishment
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
Promise No. 6
Because of our sin, we are under the wrath of God; our wages are death – Romans 6:23. But Jesus came to deliver us from the bonds of sin and death. All those who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life – John 3:16. This salvation is by God’s grace through faith, not from works (John 5:24; Romans 4:4-5).
Even so, there is to be a final reckoning for all people with Jesus, Who is the Judge of all people. Believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be rewarded for faithful Christian service – or to lose rewards God intended for us (Romans 14:10-12). This is not a judgment of our sins; Jesus died for us on the cross. Instead, it will be a time of accounting for our lives.
Similarly, unbelievers will stand one day before the great white throne to give an account of their lives – Revelation 20:11-15. This is not a last chance for salvation, for if your name is not in the Book of Life, you are thrown into the lake of fire. This is when unbelievers will acknowledge the Lordship of Christ and be punished for their acts against the kingdom of God.
That is why the psalmist warns, “If you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart…” (Psalm 95:8), and the author of Hebrews 3:15 echoes the warning, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” The use of the term today is meant to be a call for urgency. This is not a topic to be taken lightly or put off until some other time.
The nation of Israel failed to “hold fast” to their trust in God (Hebrews 3:16), and it cost them dearly. They were not cut off by God, just as the Christians the letter is written to are not at risk of losing their salvation — but one generation was denied their inheritance due to their stubbornness.
We, too, have been given a chance to repent and turn away from sin. Let us hearken to God’s voice so we can hear what He is saying and be obedient. Let us return to our First Love and receive our reward. May the Holy Spirit help us.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that You desire to speak to me every day – guiding me in spirit and in truth to obey Your Word and enjoy an abundant life. I thank You that You have called me Your friend and that I may come boldly to the throne of grace to find help whenever I need it. I bless You, in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Read: John 5:22; Titus 3:5-7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 14; Matthew 16:1-20; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Genesis 47:1-12
