Subject: The saints

Time: After the Church is raptured

Place: At the judgment seat of Christ in Heaven

Result: Rewards for the winners; no punishment for the losers

Basis: Works

The second major judgment will see no sinners. It is a judgment for the works of the believers—the saints—a wonderful event indeed, completely separate from salvation. Works will not bring salvation; salvation depends solely upon accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9).

Accepting or rejecting the Cross determines the destiny of both saint and sinner. 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 (II Corinthians 5:10). All must appear and give an account before God of their works. The believer, appearing before the throne of God on that great Day of Rewards, will see his works judged. It will be a glorious time. The sinner, however, will experience the horror of the judgment of the wicked dead and the penalty of hell.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God (I Corinthians 4:5). The good works of the believers will have the praise of God.

Works Tried by Fire

Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour (I Corinthians 3:8). Salvation, I repeat, is not dependent on works. The believers’ judgment at the Cross for sin takes place at Calvary when Jesus is accepted into their hearts, and they will never have to face those sins again. But their works will be judged. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (verses 10-15). Paul is saying, I have given you the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have laid the true foundation, but now you must be careful how you build on it. No other foundation will stand but the foundation of Jesus Christ.

Your works will be revealed. Every work of the believer will be manifested, revealed by the trial of fire what sort of work it is, tried by the fire of God. Those works having no benefit to God will be burned up; the Bible calls them hay, wood and stubble. If, however, the works are valuable to God, lasting—the gold, silver, precious stones—the worker will be rewarded.

Although the believer may have works destroyed by fire, the believer will be saved. Some haven’t performed lasting work for the Lord; their works have been all for self and selfish purposes. They didn’t, for example, place their money where it would be used to win the lost. Perhaps they gave it to some preacher who wasted it. They thought they were pleasing God, but they weren’t. It isn’t a matter of what man thinks but of what God knows. Make sure your money is supporting the true work of God. The works you do for God, for His honor and glory, are those that last, those that will receive a reward.

Everyone Can Do Something

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work (John 4:34). God has a work for every child of God. Everyone can do something. All can’t be on the mission field, but all can help send others who go in the name of the Lord; and their reward will not be lost. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets (Luke 6:23).

There will be a reward when you are persecuted for Christ’s sake, but if you are persecuted for your own mistakes—bad judgments and mistreatment of others—you will have no reward. Suffering for His glory, for His name’s sake, is taking His place here on Earth; and the Lord said you would be rewarded for it.

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward (Matthew 10:41). In other words, if a man helps a true prophet of God in the work of God, he will receive the reward of a prophet. By your helping me take Jesus to the world you will receive a minister’s reward.

Acts of Love for God Rewarded

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward (Matthew 10:42). What you do in the name of Jesus because you love Him, what you do through His faith, His love, you will be rewarded for. You are serving in His love. Anything you do for the Lord in love, no matter how small, receives a reward.

Blessings Are Rewards

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38). For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (I Timothy 5:18). The Lord feels that if you labor for Him you are worthy of your reward, not only here on Earth but in Heaven also. God gives many rewards on Earth; we call them blessings. When you say you are blessed, what you really are saying is that you received a reward. God’s blessings are little rewards on Earth; think how great the rewards will be in Heaven, those eternal rewards to keep for all time!

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matthew 6:19,20). Bank in Heaven; the dividends are large indeed. The Lord said your reward will be great.

Too Many Kinds of Faith

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17). There is singing faith, shouting faith, reading faith, sleeping faith—and then there is working faith. Some sing a lullaby to their faith, rock it in a cradle and never really put it to work. That isn’t what God gave His faith for. He gave you faith for His works to be done in this last hour. All too often people simply have too many kinds of faith, and God’s works remain undone because God’s faith isn’t used.

Faith without Works Is Dead

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (James 2:18). You cannot show God’s faith without works. If people don’t see God’s works in your life, they won’t know whether you have the real faith of God.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar (James 2:20,21)? Abraham’s faith was tested. It took great faith for him to be willing to offer his son, but he used God’s faith. He believed that if God wanted Isaac killed, God planned to resurrect him because He had promised to raise up a mighty nation through that boy. It had to be. God could not lie.

Our faith that God gives us is tested; it must be tested. God knows how to test His faith; He knows that if we use His faith it will work. But if we sink down into our own faith, into our feelings of self, God cannot work. Human faith is not sufficient to do what God wants done.

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (James 2:22-26). Rahab had faith—and more—she backed up her faith with works that helped the messengers escape. Her faith told her that the Israelites would be back to take the city, and she asked that her family be saved. By works she saved herself and her family; by works she was justified.

Working for self brings no justification in God’s eyes. If you are not working for God, you have dead faith—and none of God’s faith is dead. By works the born-again Christian displays God’s faith; for as the body without the spirit is dead, faith without works is dead. God’s faith brings eternal life. In an amazing way God is with us, offering us His faith. To have God’s faith perfected in your life, you must do what God wants you to do. He is calling all to help evangelize the world in this final hour.

God Considers All Our Works

The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works (Psalm 33:13-15). God is letting you know that He sees everyone; He considers all the works done by each individual. Not one work, good or bad, does God overlook. If He looks at the bad, He certainly will look upon the good.

Shall not he render to every man according to his works (Proverbs 24:12)? God is saying to people today, I know your works. I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works (Revelation 2:23). God knows your heart; He knows all about you, and He watches your works carefully.

God made the first man Adam, and immediately Adam’s work was outlined. He was to care for the Garden. God considers work to be honorable. We will work in Heaven, and this work will be a pleasure.

Revelation speaks of the works of seven churches. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works (Revelation 2:1,2). God knew the works of the seven churches of Revelation, and He knows your works, too.

Do you become discouraged in well-doing because you think God hasn’t noticed? The devil whispers: God doesn’t care. If He really cared, He would be blessing you more, wouldn’t He? The devil tries to reason with you; and if you let him, you will lose. The Lord never told you to reason with the devil. Reasoning with the devil is like reasoning with insanity.

They Left Their First Love

The church at Ephesus worked, was patient and did not faint. Yet the Lord said, Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Revelation 2:4,5). Although this church was recognized for their works, they had left their first love.

More is required than works alone. You must keep the love of God in your heart to give you the zeal to work for Him. Many are deceived, thinking works are the requirement for salvation, that all they need do to find forgiveness for sin is to go to church, pray, give offerings. Their works are without love for God, empty. Salvation comes only when you find forgiveness for your sins, taking Jesus into your heart and are washed in His shed blood.

In this final hour you must know whether the Lord holds anything against you, making sure you have enough love for God in your heart to please Him. Jesus is coming after the Glorious Church, the Bride of Christ who has been saved, filled with the Holy Ghost and who loves Him totally. If He has somewhat against you, if your love for Him has grown cold, you will be left behind. Unless you repent and return to your first love of Christ, the bridal company will be out of reach for you. You cannot be a part of the bridal company with spot, wrinkle, blemish or any such thing. Meeting the Lord’s requirements is vital if you expect His Holy Spirit to change you in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye.

Faithful unto Death

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Revelation 2:8-11). I know what you’re going through, the Lord is saying. I know your poverty, but you are rich. This church was persecuted, tried, poor, and yet God called them rich. Fear none of these things, God said. You will be tried, but be faithful unto death and you will have a crown of life. God saw the works of the persecuted church.

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Revelation 2:12,13,17). What kind of rewards will we receive? We do not know, but the Lord touches on them a little in these verses.

Works Lacking in Faith

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first (Revelation 2:18,19). Jesus knew their works; they had more works than faith, patience or love.

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron…And I will give him the morning star (Revelation 2:26-28). God’s people will be rewarded, will help rule in the Perfect Age.

To the fifth church, Sardis, Jesus said, I know thy works…I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee (Revelation 3:1-3). God warned the early churches, and God daily is warning people today. Check your works. On the Day of Rewards many will realize they were deceived. They will be saved but their works burned. Make sure what you do for Jesus is done with all your heart.

Worthy of Reward

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Revelation 3:4,5). A few are working for the Lord. Part of the reward will come when Jesus confesses their names in Heaven, confesses their good works—that’s how proud He’ll be of the works of silver and gold that cannot be destroyed, eternal works. What you do for God in His love, in His faith, in the Spirit of Jesus, will last for all time and eternity. Those works for God that stand can never be destroyed. If, however, we do all we can to bring a person to the Lord and that one then backslides, it will be counted against that person and not us. Thank God for the work we can do for Him!

Feelings in Heaven

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia…I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name (Revelation 3:7,8). Jesus is saying to the church in Philadelphia: Although you have not worked as you should have, you kept my word. You did not deny my name; you lived holy. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (verse 10). This is the promise of the Rapture to the glorious Bride. Although not every member of the bridal company has done all the work they could have for God, the Lord is still coming after the holy, those without spot, wrinkle or sin, those saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. But at the judgment of rewards they will have regret.

The coming judgment of rewards tells us we will have feelings in Heaven. Why give out rewards if they have no meaning? We will not be zombies after death. We will have feelings to appreciate the value of God’s rewards, and we will feel a sense of loss for our failures. Yes, there probably will be some tears in Heaven before God wipes them all away.

You, remember, are not made righteous through your works but through the righteousness of Jesus only—a gift of God. Because you keep His Word, He will keep you from the hour of temptation.

A New Name in Heaven

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Revelation 3:11). Let no man rob you of your crown of life. Launch out to do the work of the Lord. He is warning you again and again that He knows your works. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name (verse 12). Here is a great reward: Being a pillar in the temple of God. You are so precious to the Lord Jesus that He will write upon you His new name, the name of His God and of new Jerusalem.

Spewed into Tribulation

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Revelation 3:14-16). The spirit of indifference plagued this church. To please God, one must do all His work with a willing heart.

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see (Revelation 3:18). The Laodiceans were not clothed with the righteousness of God. Failing to apply the eye salve of the Word of God, they weren’t able to use the Word or live according to it. Lukewarm, they were about to be spewed out of the mouth of God into the Tribulation Period.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (Revelation 3:21). Just as the Son is sitting with the Father, the overcomers will sit with Jesus in His throne. What a wonderful promise, a promise glorious beyond the imagination!

Faith, the Evidence of Things Not Seen

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews names some of the Old Testament faithful who will be rewarded for their works. Ponder every verse of this great, insightful chapter again and again. The faith of God spurs us on to do the work of God. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1,2). Because of their works, the elders received a good report. Do you have a good report about the things you are doing through and with the faith of God?

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3). By the Word of God were the worlds formed. Through faith we know these are God’s works.

Jesus told the disciples, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12). These works will be done by faith—faith is one of the nine fruits and one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). God’s faith.

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews we read further: By faith Able offered unto God (Hebrews 11:4). By faith Abel did his works. By faith Enoch…had this testimony, that he pleased God (verse 5). Not only did Enoch please God by his life but by the work he did. He used the faith of God.

Impossible to Please God without Faith

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). After you come to God you cannot really please Him if you don’t use His faith, for without it you will not receive from God the things He wants you to have.

God is working on planet Earth; He has sent the Holy Spirit to be your servant, to live and dwell on the inside of you. The Holy Spirit has come to serve you; and to possess all He brings, you must use God’s faith.

Noah Put Legs to His Faith

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (Hebrews 11:7). Moved with the faith of God, Noah worked through that faith; and it caused him to build an ark exactly as the Lord said. Noah put legs to his faith. Because he believed God’s warning of a flood, he prepared an ark. Noah would have been destroyed with the rest of mankind had he failed to act on God’s warning.

Abraham Had Resurrection Faith

By faith Abraham…by faith. By faith Abraham did his wonderful works. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). If you are looking for that same city, you realize there is work to be done, souls to be saved. Using God’s faith, you work for the Lord.

The wife of Abraham used faith: Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised (Hebrews 11:11). Through faith it happened. These all died in faith—they all worked for the Lord, and on that great Day of Rewards you will see these faithful receive their rewards (Hebrews 11:13).

When I visited Abraham’s tomb I was excited, but how much more exciting to see him in person on the Day of Rewards! We all will want to move in a little closer for a better view.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac…accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure (Hebrews 11:17,19). In studying the Word of God, in devouring the Scripture, you will be amazed at what you find. God has revealed much.

Faith to Follow Through On

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau…By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph…By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones (Hebrews 11:20-22). It was faith for his descendants to follow through.

Faith Brought Miracles

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months (Hebrews 11:23). Did you ever stop to think that Moses’ mother and father will be in Heaven on the Day of Rewards? God has them listed for a reward. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward (verses 24-26). Moses realized there would be a great reward for obedience. We as children of God will see Moses get his reward. By faith he forsook Egypt…Through faith he kept the passover…By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land (verses 27-29).

Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, and by faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after thy were compassed about seven days (Hebrews 11:30). Marching in obedience to God the Israelites were victorious. The faith of God caused them to march, to work with God and experience a miracle. The faith of God is causing us to work with Him today to experience many miracles. The faith of God.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again—Faith works, the faith of God—and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:31-40). For all the persecution you have endured for His sake, everything you have done in His name, His love and His faith, you will receive a reward. No sacrifice, no persecution will be overlooked by God. For that which you haven’t done through His love and faith—no reward. Because of their faith in God, the people listed in the faith chapter will receive rewards.

Faith Works through Love

By faith they acted, by the faith of God through His love. The faith of God will not work without the love of God. Faith which worketh by love (Galatians 5:6). Only through His love does God give faith. Everything God does for the human race is through love.

The world was not worthy of those mentioned in the faith chapter. Those in the faith chapter are worthy, however, worthy of Heaven. They are worthy of a place where they will never grow old or be sick. They are worthy to live for all eternity with the Lord, made worthy through the blood of the Lamb. Because they used the faith of God and did His wonderful works, they were worthy. They obtained a good report through faith. The judgment of the saint’s rewards…how wonderful to be there!

Paul Finished His Work

Paul will be at the judgment of rewards; great will be his reward. He wasn’t listed in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, but he’s listed now in Heaven. In II Timothy 4:6,7, Paul writes: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Ready to die, Paul had finished his work. None of us should think we are ready to leave this Earth until we have finished our work for the Lord. Be glad for the judgment of rewards, glad that God will judge your works, glad that man will have no say in the judgment of rewards.

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (II Timothy 4:8). What day is “that day”? The Day of Rewards. Those who love His appearing will receive a crown of righteousness, a wonderful crown of life, bestowed by the Lord Himself with all love, peace and joy of Heaven. You will be glad then that you worked for Jesus.

Their Works Follow Them

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (Revelation 14:13). The works of the children of God will follow them. Paul’s works are still bearing fruit. Part of his works are recorded in the Word of God: the Pauline Epistles. These works have inspired and blessed people for almost 2,000 years. Working with God in order to give us God’s words, Paul helped God with miracles. He yielded himself, paid a great price, spent much time imprisoned for spreading the Word. He referred to himself as the Lord’s prisoner—now that’s the faith of God! For every day he was in jail, Paul will be rewarded, for everything he suffered for the Lord and for all who are blessed because of him. In the faith and love of God, he did God’s work.

You Will See the Results of Your Works

The Day of Rewards when the works of the saints are judged will be one of the greatest days in eternity. God will make it great because He loves His children so much. Ponder what God did for Adam, and let those blessings give you a glimpse of what He has in store for you. God took time to make a beautiful garden for just one man, and then He made a helpmate to share the garden. The Garden of Eden was one of a multitude of rewards that Adam and Eve enjoyed before they fell from grace.

How sad for those at the judgment of works when they realize their works were wasted and they will receive no reward. The trying time came, and the fire of God burned up the chaff. Nothing was left of their works that failed to stand the test.

In Review

On the Day of Rewards, God will put everyone through the experience of seeing the results of his or her works at the judgment of rewards. You as a Christian were judged at Calvary, pardoned through Jesus Christ who took your place. But one day you will face the judgment of your works. Although you will not lose your place in eternity, you may lose your reward if your works don’t stand the fire of God, the test of God’s faith, God’s love, God’s everything. If you worked for yourself instead of Jesus, God will not count your works. The children of God on the Day of Rewards who receive the gold, the silver of their works with the name of the Lord upon them, are they who have done His works. Just like the work for God of those listed in the Bible, the Christian’s work that stands the test of fire will be listed in Heaven.

One of Jesus’ closing statements in the Bible: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12). Thank God for the wonderful Day of Rewards! Only God would have planned such a day for His children. I pray that your life will be filled with His good works, that you won’t hold yourself in reserve. Never consider yourself underpaid by God. Work for Him. Work because you love Him. While others are grumbling, complaining, do God’s work. Your reward on that day will be a lasting one. But if you want everything now, it will be all the reward you receive—hay and stubble. On that day you will regret your actions and wish you had worked for God instead of self.

Deny Self

It pays to put Jesus first. The Early Church found this to be true. Jesus said: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23). So many have come after Jesus, but they haven’t really denied self. That’s the reason the laborers are few in this time of ripe harvest.

God help us in this final hour to please the Lord and to hear Him say on that day, Well done! Determine in your heart to put Him first no matter the cost. Tell Him: Precious Jesus, thou knowest my desire is to work for you. I won’t murmur, I won’t grumble or complain. I will rejoice because you, dear Lord, have called me as your child to work for you, because you want service from me. You want my hands, my mind, my heart to work for you. What a privilege, Lord, it is to work for you! On that Day of Rewards you will see the work you have done for Him, work that shines forth like silver and gold; and you’ll be glad you sacrificed everything, glad you paid the price. There is a great price to be paid to deny self, to give your life to pay all He wants. But, oh, what He has in store for the faithful! As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (I Corinthians 2:9).

When you love Him, you serve him, work for Him. Some think they are serving God by opening up the Bible and reading. They are serving themselves. The Bible prepares you to serve God, gives you strength.

I say again, you who have Jesus in your hearts are headed for that judgment of rewards, the judgment of the works of the saints of God. It’s the same judgment that Abraham is waiting for, Moses, Elijah and Elisha. Are you longing with great expectations for that day? Will you be there standing tall in God’s truth, in obedience and love? If you have served Him well, when the fire comes down upon your works they will not be destroyed. You built upon the true foundation, Jesus Christ, and worked according to the truth of God. Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus! But Lord, help us finish our work. Help us, Lord; give us more and more of your strength. Help us to bring in the harvest that will stand the Word test, the fire test of God, the judgment of rewards.

Take Jesus into Your Heart

What about you who are lost and undone without God? Say this prayer with me now if you want to rejoice on your Day of Rewards: Oh, God, save my soul! Forgive me for my sins. I’m sorry I sinned against you, but I have come home, Lord. And I’m going to serve you the rest of my life. I believe the blood of Jesus washes away all of my sins. Come into my heart, Jesus, into my heart.

If you prayed that prayer sincerely you can now say: Hallelujah, He has come!

Work for Jesus. Think about that great Day of Rewards and how wonderful it can be for you. Check your works to make sure they’re the works God wills you to do, works you do in His faith and His love.

Yea, saith the Lord: I am in the midst of this people, and I know your works, and I know your love. I know your devotion. I know when you’re working for me and when you’re working for yourself. I weigh your spirit day and night. I weigh with great love, but I weigh you. I always weigh you with my Word which I have delivered to you. I give you strength as you work for me. I give you faith—and more faith as you use the faith that I have given to you.

I am anointing you to work for me in this final hour. There are such a few of the inhabitants of the earth who are willing to work for me in my faith and in my love. But I call again and again to my people, and many of them will not respond. It is an hour that most of my children throughout the earth are not willing to pay the price to do all that I have called them to do. They’re not willing to fast in my presence. They’re not willing to seek my face, and they’re not willing to ponder over the things that I have said to them in my Holy Word.

But oh my people, you who are obeying me, you who are helping bring in the harvest, I rejoice in your love. I rejoice in your faith. I rejoice in your work for me. And remember, you will be rewarded. Remember, I will rejoice with you on that Day of Rewards. I am carefully watching over you, you my precious ones—you who are sacrificing to take my Gospel to all peoples. I love you with an unending love. And on that day you will be glad. On that day you will finally know my love, the greatness of my love that was yours all the way, saith the Lord.