We posed today’s question to Justin Taylor, vice president of editorial at Crossway Books and blogger at Between Two Worlds. He’s contributed to and edited several books, such as _The

Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World _and _The Power of Words and the Wonder of God. _He was also the managing editor for the ESV Study Bible. Andrew G., from Suffolk, UK, writes:

Advertise on TGC What are these rewards in heaven which Jesus talks about? Should thought of receiving them motivate us? In its most general sense, “reward” (Greek, misthos) is the

appropriate consequence or consummation of a course of action. Sometimes it is rendered as “wages” (Matt. 20:8; Luke 10:7; John 4:36). Negatively, Judas’s blood money is called “the reward

25:21, 23). “They shall see God” (Matt. 5:8) and “your reward is great in heaven” (Matt. 5:12) are ultimately referring to the same thing. Jesus frequently appeals to reward as a motivator

for righteousness—whether he is talking about persecution (Matt. 5:12) or love (Matt. 5:46) or giving (Matt. 6:4) or prayer (Matt. 6:6) or fasting (Matt. 6:18). Five key passages reference

believers receiving a “crown” (1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Thess. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4). Though it is popular to see these as different types of reward (crown of righteousness, crown

of gold, crown of life, etc.) a majority of commentators believe these are different ways of referring to the one reward of eternal life. Space does not permit a detailed examination of

these and related passages, but I would commend the careful analysis of Craig Blomberg. While professor Blomberg is largely convincing with regard to the _exegetical_ issues, I think he

takes a misstep in his _theological_ objections to varying degrees of reward. Even though I don’t think any passages explicitly teach this idea, it is not inconceivable, not is it

incompatible with any teaching in the NT. If there are degrees of reward, they would likely revolve around increased _capacities_ and _responsibilities_. Jonathan Edwards explains the

former: “Every vessel that is cast into this ocean of happiness is full, though there are some vessels far larger than others; and there shall be no such thing as envy in heaven, but perfect

love shall reign throughout the whole society.” Could the parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11-27) imply that some believers will rule over more cites in the new heavens and earth? If so,

this would mean that under our “great reward” (enjoying God himself) there are various roles and responsibilities. I am not certain this will be the case, but I see nothing inherently

problematic in holding to this as a possibility. In summary, all true believers will receive the great reward of seeing God face to face, and this should motivate all of our actions. The NT

nowhere clearly and explicitly teaches varying degrees of reward, though this may indeed be true. If so, some may have greater capacities as well as greater responsibilities, but all of us

will experience “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” at God’s right hand (Ps. 16:11). Maranatha—come quickly, Lord Jesus! 20 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO PREVENT DECHURCHING We’re

currently experiencing the largest and fastest religious shift in the history of the United States. But there are practical things we can do inside our local churches. Jim Davis and Michael

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