Let's say that there is an American president that claims to be a believer in Christ but demonstrates by his fruits that he does not do the will of Jesus. Let's say that this president has made a career in "public service" and has been taking bribes for
decades. And let's say that this president has a scandalous history of being a chronic liar on all things big and small. And let's say that this president has sold out his people to special interests and to foreign interests in order to enrich himself and his family and friends. And let's say that this president dies unconfessed and unrepentant. What do believe is his fate?
Here's my guess. He is saved by the grace of Jesus but his Heavenly reward will be that he will be a humble servant to other Christians who were actually
faithful Christians in life. He will remain a humble servant for a long time and will
greatly regret his foolish and sinful choices in his short life on Earth.
The following verses compel me to believe that unfaithful Christians will be saved but their "reward" will be much less than the rewards given to
faithful Christians.
Proverbs 22:16
English Standard Version
Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
Matthew 19:16-30
English Standard Version
The Rich Young Man
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world,[
a] when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold[
b] and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
