Is it possible that a Christian could lose their eternal reward?
(Matthew 25:20-23; Romans 6:23; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Hebrews 11:6) Blog 18-25 Mar. 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We are children of God by creation and by redemption and God has entrusted us with the care of his resources. Ten percent of our income we are to return to him for the support of his ordained ministers. The 90% remaining is ours to manage wisely for his glory. This includes gospel advance, help for the needy, support of our families, and the care of strangers. Since we are covetous by nature we must rule over the natural inclination of our hearts as we make investments, give offerings, and plan for the future.
Temporal Rewards
1. Does the Bible promise that people will be rewarded in this life? Yes, people do receive some rewards in this life (Psa. 18:23-25; Prov. 11:35).
2. What temporal rewards come from doing good? In this life people receive wages, children, spouses, & multiple blessings from doing good (Gen. 39:5; Job 7:2; Psa. 127:3; Luke 3:14).
3. What rewards did the Levites receive for their service in the temple? The Levites received a portion of the people’s offerings as the reward for their services (Num. 18:30-31).
4. How did Jesus describe the rewards that those who follow him will receive in this life? Jesus said that those who forsake people or things for his sake will receive an hundredfold in this life before receiving everlasting life (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:29-30).
5. What earthly joys did Solomon say people could have in this life? Solomon said that in this life people can enjoy marriage, work, food, & drink (Eccl. 9:7-10).
6. Where will unbelievers receive good rewards? The good rewards for unbelievers will only be received in this life (Psa. 17:14).
7. What temporal reward did the thief on the cross acknowledge to be just? The thief declared that their death sentence was just (Luke 23:41).
Eternal Rewards
8. What eternal reward do all believers receive alike? All believers equally receive the reward of eternal life (Matt. 20:9-10; Rom. 6:23; Gal. 6:8).
9. Besides the gift of eternal life, for what else does God give eternal rewards? Besides eternal life God also rewards believers for the good deeds done while on this earth (2 Cor. 5:10).
10. What basis must we first establish before God can give us eternal rewards? Before God can give us eternal rewards we must have Jesus as our Saviour for he is the foundation on which we build (1 Cor. 3:11-15)
11. In accord with what does God give eternal rewards? God gives eternal rewards according to our works (Isa. 3:11; Matt. 16:27; 1 Cor. 3:8; 2 Tim. 4:14).
12. What kind of good deeds did Jesus say would not receive eternal rewards? Jesus taught that the good deeds done to impress others would receive no eternal rewards (Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18).
13. Where will the righteous receive their eternal rewards? The righteous will receive their eternal rewards in heaven (Matt. 5:12; Rev. 22:12).
14. What reward is Paul referring to in Romans 4:4? Paul is talking about the reward of eternal life that is given to all who believe in Jesus & not to the rewards God gives for our service to him (Rom. 4:4).
15. What final reward does God have for those who hate him? God, in mercy, will give eternal destruction to those who hate him (Deut. 32:41-43; Rom. 6:23).
Judgment for Rewards
16. How does God determine what eternal rewards to give people? It is by investigative judgment that God determines eternal rewards (2 Chron. 6:23; Psa. 58:11; 2 Cor. 5:10).
17. What happens to the worthless deeds of the righteous? The worthless deeds of the righteous are consumed by the flames of judgment & only their good deeds are rewarded (1 Cor. 3:11-15).
18. What are the sacrifices that please God that we are to offer on heaven’s altar? We are to offer the sacrifices of praise to God, of giving thanks to his name, of doing good, & of communicating the Gospel to others. These are the sacrifices that please God (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5).
19. What must be added to all our good deeds if they are to be acceptable to God? All our good deeds must be purified by the blood of Christ before they can be acceptable to God (Eccl. 7:20; Heb. 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:5).
20. Is it possible that a Christian could lose their eternal reward? Yes, if they turn away from God & are deceived into earning their salvation by their works then all their good deeds will not be remembered or rewarded (Eze. 18:24; 33:13; Col. 2:18; 2 Pet. 2:21-22; 2 John 1:7-9).
21. What exceeding great reward did God promise Abraham? God promised Abraham that he, himself would be his exceeding great reward (Gen. 15:1).