Faith, Works and Rewards

[CoreIssue]

Since the Bible spends time on the issue awards it sure sounds like an encouragement to work for rewards.

But does God honor those who work for rewards.

My opinion on this is as long as we are working for God seeking rewards is an incentive to work.

 

[CoreIssue]

Another issue is in Calvinism if everything is predestined, it does not seem like rewards can be true.

After all, if we are not working out of freewill how can we earn anything?

 

[CoreIssue]

I believe the parallel to this is the works against God.

At the white throne judgment are judged and rewarded according to their works. But their rewards are punishments.

 

[CoreIssue]

In all of this faith is the foundation.

Works stem from faith.

Rewards stem from faith.

Faith stems from grace.

 

[CoreIssue]

Works for salvation bears no resemblance to works of salvation.

Works for salvation are people trying to merit salvation. The other is God rewarding those who work because they are saved.

 

[CoreIssue]

Salvation first by faith!