HEBRON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

THE REWARDS OF THE BELIEVERS

Task
presented in fulfillment of the subject
Philemon

Bismarc Bony Tuco Mamani

2018
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THE REWARDS OF THE BELIEVERS

Introduction

The fact that one day we will have to account for what we did in this world

For the Lord, it is certainly one of the most serious teachings of Scripture. Without

embargo, rarely is the nature of the evidence we will face analyzed and what

will continue later.

By His grace, God gives salvation to those who put their faith in Jesus. We cannot

to earn this gift, nor do we deserve it. But our heavenly Father does see

our good works, and promises to reward us according to what we have done for him.

The service we present to God takes place when we allow the Lord to work.

through us, for His glory and honor; when divine resources satisfy the

human needs through us, as an instrument of His Peace.

Whether great or small, every service done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

will be rewarded. But we must ensure that our actions are for the

glory of Christ. If the motivation is our own glory, the only reward that

we will receive is the praise (if any) from those around us. And we know that the

the approval of men is neither satisfying nor lasting.

Definition

The word 'Reward' will define the depth of what it entails in life.

believer and the situation surrounding this.

For his part, Wilton defines reward as follows:

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What is received as fair compensation for some positive act or service

AWARD). Its meaning is similar to that of → REMUNERATION, but this
generally corresponds only to a negative act. However, the reward
it can have a negative sense and a positive one; for example, in Psalm 91:8; Matthew
6.5, and in 1 Corinthians 9:17 and Colossians 3:24.1

Guillermo Cook, in his literary work, mentions:

Antapodoma (ajntapovdoma, 468), related to antapodidomi,

to recompense (see B, No. 1), lit. A returning back (anti, back; apodidomi,
return, give), retribution, reward. It is used: (a) in a favorable sense (Lc
14.12), verbally translated in RVR: 'may you be rewarded'; RV translates: 'may it be to you'
made compensation" (VM: "reward"); RVR77: "[you already have your] reward";
(b) in an unfavorable sense (Ro 11:9): 'retribution' (RVR, VM, RVR77; RV:
"pays"), indicating that the current condition of the Jewish nation is the effect
retributive of their transgressions, for which that same thing that had been given to them
marked as a blessing ("his table") has come to be a means of judgment.2

The Dictionary, World Hispanic Library, defines it as follows:

Something that happens, either due to a good or bad action (<011501>Genesis 15:1;
Psalm 91:8
1 Timothy 5:18; Revelation 22:123

On the other hand, rewards have a close relationship with the Court of

Christ, in the studied topic.

Samuel Pérez Millos mentions the meaning of the Greek words tribunal, of the

the following way:

"Kriterion" appears 3 times in the N.T., none applicable to the court of

Christ. It means the instrument or means to test a thing. "Bema" appears 12 times.
times in the N.T., two of which refer to the tribunal of Christ, (Rom. 14:10; 2
Co. 5:10)4

The nature of rewards

1
Nelson Wilton, New Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible (1998): 1189.
2
Guillermo Cook, Explanatory Dictionary of Words from the Old Testament: 1465.
3
J.D. Douglas, Merrill C. Tenney, Bible Dictionary N-Z (2003): 188.
4
Samuel Pérez Millos, Course of Biblical Exegesis and Outlines for Preachers (1994): 49.
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In the New Testament, the word "saint" always refers to the believers who

they have been set apart for the service of God. Unlike salvation, which applies to

the lives of sinners, their rewards will be given to the saints in the tribunal

of Christ. These rewards are reserved only for the saints. The unregenerated,

Those who never received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior will not participate in this judgment.

The apostle Paul illustrates to the believers in Corinth so that they can assimilate the

nature of rewards, under the verse 'Do you not know that those who run in the

stadium, everyone runs for the truth, but only one takes the prize? Run in such a way

that you may obtain it” (1 Cor. 9:24). In this sense, he mentions the following:

"Run in such a way that you may win." Paul uses the metaphor of a race to
indicate that all believers participate in a spiritual race. It is obvious that they do not.
it means that of all the believers, only one will win. Paul exhorts the
Corinthians to take their spiritual life seriously and consider it as if
it was a competition in which they must push themselves to the limit. How does this fit in
illustration within the theme of apostolic freedom? Paul shows that for him it
the only thing that matters is the progress of the gospel, to which he dedicates himself with
all their intellectual, spiritual, and physical power. In the same way, the believers of
Corinthians should dedicate themselves to making their spiritual life progress, as if they were running.
in a race to win the prize.5

Pablo compares the Christian life to the race of an athlete. The runner

he cannot receive the prize at the finish line unless he first enters the track

race and get ready to participate in the competition. Likewise, a person cannot

to expect God's rewards for mediocre service, unless one enters into the

right path and in fact live the life of a faithful servant. Since only God by His

Gracia is able to make an athlete out of each one of us and that there is no prize at all.

for those who are not on the true path, the rewards are only

5
Simón J. Kistemaker, Comments on the New Testament 1 Corinthians (1998): 276-277.
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reserved and will be granted to the saints, to those washed and clean by the blood of

Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you from

yes, and they will revile you, and reject your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of

Man. Rejoice in that day, and be glad, for behold, your reward is great in

the heavens; for this is how their fathers treated the prophets" (Lk. 6:22-23).

The time of the trial

The judgment before the tribunal of Christ will precede the wedding feast of the Lamb.

The wife will be adorned with fine white linen, bright and shining, which are the righteous acts of.

the saints. This means that we will be dressed in the works of service for the Lord,

may God, by His grace, allow us to do. It is also obvious that this judgment will take place.

after the rapture of the Church, when '...the Lord himself with a commanding voice, with a voice of

archangel, and with the trumpet of God, will descend from heaven; and the dead in Christ

they will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be

caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus

"We will always be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:16, 17). In relation to this, the commentary

Hispanic Biblical World cites the following:

The description of that glorious meeting continues, the victorious power of God to
the end of the century is worth noting. Paul uses here a verb arpagesomeza, and thus there is
to understand it. It is not so much emphasized on an event (a 'rapture'), but on the action, the
the way the people of God will be gathered with the Lord: They will be taken up.
It denotes the vigor and irresistible power of God. Satan cannot stop the hand of
God. When the Lord returns for His own, no one will resist Him.6

6
Hispanic World Editorial, Biblical Commentary Hispanic World - volume 22, 1 and 2 Thessalonians 1 and
2 Timothy and Titus (2009): 55.
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Regarding the tribunal of Christ, the author John Hagee illustrates the analogy of the bride.

"Church" and its reality in the court:

Immediately after the rapture, Christians will be before that

Christ's tribunal (bema). Although Jesus bore all the weight of God's judgment for
We must still stand before God for a final review of our faithfulness.
As the nations of the world rise and fall due to their immorality,
Our personal decisions and actions create evidence for the coming judgment.
about us. We will receive crowns and honors or reproaches and reprimands.
Our outfits will be designed to glorify our Groom or will appear as
filthy rags.7

At this very moment, the Lord is not judging the service of those who arrive.

before Him at death. According to what the Scripture says, the Lord Jesus Christ right now

he exercises his functions as Intercessor, not as Judge: "Wherefore he is also able to save

perpetually for those who come to God through him, always living to intercede for

there" (He. 7:25). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and the

men, Jesus Christ man" (1 Tim. 2:5). He has not yet entered the courtroom nor

he has ascended the steps of the bema. He will not do so until he has gathered those whose

works will judge.

Even more imposing is the list of references from the New Testament that indicate that

The rewards will not be delivered until after the return of the Lord. It is said

of the rewards of the saints in association with that day, which refers to the glorious

day we will be gathered in the arms of Christ:

So, do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who

will also clarify what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the intentions of the hearts;

and then each will receive his praise from God” (1 Cor. 4:5).

7
John Hagee, From Daniel to the Day of Judgment – The Countdown Has Already Begun (2000): 114.
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Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to each one

"according to his work" (Rev. 22:12).

It is evident that rewards are not a present possession, nor are they

granted at the death of the believer. They will only be awarded after the servants are

courts, and that will be at the tribunal of Christ. In the verses mentioned above, the emphasis is

always in the future, the day when the Lord will come.

When the Lord Jesus Christ comes, we will be judged and rewarded.

Right now we say that everything will be worth it when we see Christ, but on that day

we will confirm this. Now, we are awaiting your arrival, just as a wife waits

anxious for the arrival of her future husband. The trial will occur almost immediately after the

abduction, because the wedding ceremony takes place shortly after the husband's arrival.

The husband will be there and we will meet covered with the white garments of

service that have withstood the test of fire.

Place where the trial will take place

Just as the time of judgment before the court of Christ cannot be anything other than

the one that comes immediately after the rapture and before the wedding dinner of the

Lamb, in the same way, the place of judgment can be nothing other than heaven.

Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the rapture of the Church and indicates that '...we will be

taken away... in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air...” Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 5:1-8

it portrays the courage we must have in the face of death, because we know '...that as long as

we are in the body, we are absent from the Lord. And like Paul, '...we would like to be

absent from the body, and present with the Lord.

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Samuel Pérez Millos mentions the following:

The place of the tribunal of Christ must be in the Celestial sphere (1 Thess. 4:17).
The same apostle points out the sphere of events, for every believer outside of
this world. (2 Co. 5:8)8

Death for the believer means being in the immediate presence of God. Thus

whether we reach him by death or by the rapture, we will undoubtedly appear before him

presence in the bema, where he will be both Judge and Remunerator. Regarding this John

MacArthur, mentions:

Whether by death or by rapture, every believer will one day stand before the Master.
celestial to be evaluated and rewarded. Once again, the obedient slave does not
has nothing to fear in front of the Master. As R. C. H. Lenski states: "He who
as a slave of Christ, he submits to his will in everything he does 'it is good'
"pleasant before God" and will never need to fear standing before his tribunal.9

In his exegetical commentary, Roberto Jamieson mentions:

Therefore, with such a 'confidence' sure of being blessed, whether we die

before, or we are alive at the coming of Christ. We strive lit., 'we make it be'
our ambition”; the only legitimate ambition. Either absent or present—whether
let us be present in the body, or absent from it when he comes.
Let us rather seem, 'let us be manifested', that is, in our character.
true. Thus in Colossians 3:4; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5. At all times, even now,
We are manifested to God; then we will be manifested to the intelligent universe.
gathered and to ourselves; because the judgment will not only be to assign to each one
its portion or destination, but to vindicate the justice of God, so that it will be
manifested to all its creatures and even to the conscience of the sinner himself. Receive
his reward of grace provided for 'what is done in the body' (chap. 9:6–9; 2
John 8). Although salvation is by grace alone, independent of
the works, the saved ones can have a greater or lesser reward, depending on how they have
lively and worked more or less for Christ. So there is room for the
"ambition" saint (Note, v. 9; Hebrews 6:10). This verse prevents the Corinthians
Suppose that everyone participates in the house 'of the heavens' (vv. 1, 2). There will be a judgment.
a scrutator that will separate the good from the bad, according to their respective deeds,
taking into account the reason for the facts and not just the mere external act; faith and the
Love for God is the only motive recognized by God as healthy and good.
(Matthew 12:36, 37; 25:35–45).10

8
Samuel Pérez Millos, Course on Biblical Exegesis and Outlines for Preachers (1994): 49-50.
9
John MacArthur, Slave The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ (2011): 194.
10
Roberto Jamieson, Exegetical and Explanatory Commentary on the Bible Volume II: The New Testament
(2002): 465.
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It is obvious that this event will happen in heaven, because judgment can only

to be held where the Judge is and those who will be judged. The Bible clearly indicates that

After our move from the earth, we will dwell in the sky, the Lord affirmed it.

Jesus Christ: "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In the house

In my Father's house, there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; I go, therefore, to

prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and

I will take myself, so that where I am, you may also be

It is an impressive thought to consider, the fact that rewards

awarded in the court of Christ will determine our possession and situation for the

eternity. What is even more incredible is that the service we are carrying out

now for God it will be the basis of the judgment at the celestial bema. This makes the work

done today for the Lord, may be the most important thing in the Christian life.

It is important to note that the evaluation and judgment before the tribunal of Christ is

universal, only the believers will be judged. In such a way that the evaluation of the works

In the heavenly bema, it is universal and exclusive. It is universal for all who have

experienced the new birth by the Spirit of God and exclusive of all the

demás.

Pablo refers to the same topic in 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10: 'Therefore we make it our aim'

also, whether absent or present, to be pleasant to him. Because it is necessary that all of us

Let us compare ourselves before the tribunal of Christ, so that each one may receive according to what he has done.

done while in the body, whether good or bad." Speaking to the believers,

Pablo says: 'Because it is necessary for all of us to appear before the tribunal of

"Christ," that excludes anyone who has not received him as Savior. But we
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that we are property of Christ, because we received him as our Lord and Savior,

we will be there. All those who have been washed and made clean by the blood of

Lambs will present themselves before him as Lord, and will give an account of their life of service to

God.

The judge

That Judge can only be God, thus guaranteeing the delivery of the rewards.

it will be something completely honorable. Likewise, he must be a man, in order to feel

sympathy and understanding for the problems of human beings to serve their Master.

This means that the perfect Judge must be God and man. That is exactly what the

what is Lord Jesus Christ: God and perfect Man. In accordance with the program

sublime of God, the Judge in the tribunal, will truly be the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord

Jesus, who is God in the flesh, will certainly make a holy and honest judgment when granting the

rewards for the service, because its essence is honesty and holiness: 'Because such

the high priest suited us: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and

more sublime than the heavens” (He. 7:26).

As a man, Jesus knows human beings, as this confirms.

But Jesus himself did not trust them, because he knew all men, and did not have

the necessity for no one to bear witness to the man, for he knew what was in him.

man” (Jn. 2:24, 25).

As a human he was tempted, but did not sin: 'For we do not have a high priest'

that cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in all
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according to our likeness, but without sin” (Heb. 4:15). He has compassion and understands the

problems we have to face in order to live a life that pleases God.

The heavenly bema is the tribunal of Christ, and there is no doubt about who will be the

Judge. There are a good number of additional references to Jesus as Judge. When meditating on the

time of his departure, in 2 Timothy 4:8 Paul refers to 'the crown of righteousness, which is given to him'

the Lord will give, a just judge”. Peter says that Jesus “...God has appointed Him as Judge of the living and

dead" (Acts 10:42). Luke recorded in Acts 17:31 that God "has appointed a day

in which he will judge the world with justice, by that man whom he appointed, giving proof to

everyone to have raised him from the dead.

The only man qualified to be such a Judge is the Lord Jesus Christ. This verse

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.

the judgment was given to the Son" (Jn. 5:22). Therefore, it is evident that in the court of Christ

we will be treated with justice. Because of the fairness and integrity of the Judge in the bema, the

Lord Jesus Christ, if our works are found acceptable we will be granted

rewards.

Samuel Pérez Millos mentions regarding the judge:

Christ occupies the court. Christ has to be the judge since God handed over everything.
judgment in his hands (Jn. 5:22-27). He is a just Judge (2 Ti. 4:8), a judge who does not judge
By appearance (Rev. 1:14), his eyes probe everything, his light illuminates everything (1 Cor.
A Judge full of love for those who are judged (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:25b).11

The defendants in this event

The New Testament uses the term "Church" to refer to the body of men and

women who acknowledged their sinful condition, repented of their sins,

Samuel Pérez Millos, Course of Biblical Exegesis and Outlines for Preachers (1994): 50.
11
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They recognized the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary as the payment for their wickedness.

and they received him as Lord and Savior.

The relationship between the Church and Jesus Christ is one of blessedness. Between Christ and His

the church exists in a unity that is unparalleled in history.

However, Christ loves us so much that right now He is preparing a place for us.

us. His promise is: 'And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will...

I will take you to myself, so that where I am, you may also be" (Jn. 14:3). When

come for us, we will dwell with him for eternity. This event, which we know

commonly known as the rapture of the Church, will precede the judgment before the tribunal of Christ.

First we will be taken up to heaven and then we will stand before the Lord at the bema,

where we will be rewarded for our service.

Since we cannot present ourselves before the tribunal of Christ unless we are

servants of God, and since we cannot be servants of God if we have not been saved from

sin by the Lord, then only the saved will stand before the Judge at the bema

celestial. In these portions of Scripture that deal with the tribunal of Christ, there

frequently mentions the verb in the first person. For example in the

The first 10 verses of chapter 5 of 2 Corinthians use the first person plural.

no less than 17 times: "Because we know that if our earthly dwelling, this

tabernacle, if it is destroyed, we have from God a building, a house not made by hands,

eternal, in the heavens. And for this reason we also groan, longing to be clothed with that

our heavenly room; for we shall be found dressed, and not naked. Because

likewise we who are in this tabernacle groan with anguish; because not

we would like to be unclothed, but rather clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
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But He who made us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the pledge of the Spirit.

So we live always confident, knowing that as long as we are in the body,

we are absent from the Lord (for we walk by faith, not by sight); but we are confident, and more

we would like to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Therefore we strive

also, whether absent or present, to be pleasant to him. Because it is necessary that all of us

let us appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each one may receive according to what he has

done while in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:1-10).

Pablo directs this letter '...to the church of God that is in Corinth, with all the

saints who are in all Achaia” (2 Co. 1:1). Both words “church” and “saints” are

terms reserved for those washed and clean in the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus.

When Paul refers to 'us' in chapter 5, he is not talking about the whole world,

some of the Christians to whom the letter is addressed. Whether they were in Corinth at the

the first century, or in any town in this century, it is the Christian who will one day appear

before the tribunal of Christ. The world will have no participation of any kind, as

also did not stop at the bema in ancient Corinth imploring for a crown, someone who

he/she was not an athlete.

But... What about those who have rejected Christ? Will they not be

courts? Yes, but they will not appear before the Judge in this heavenly theme. They will

they will present before him in the judicial court of the great white throne, portrayed prophetically in

Revelation 20:11-15. Paul could in no way have included the unregenerated.

In chapter 5 of 2 Corinthians. According to verse 1, the unregenerated do not

they have "a building of God"; they also do not possess "the earnest of the Spirit" that speaks of

Verse 5; they do not walk 'by faith', as verse 7 says; they do not have the hope of being
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"presents to the Lord" at his death, as stated in verse 8; his work is not "pleasant"

for God and subsequently will not appear before the tribunal of Christ.

It is evident that those who will be judged at the beam of Christ are those who through

by the unmerited grace of God have received new life in Christ. This will be the judgment of

the Church, not of humanity in general or the world. Only those qualified will be able to

to meet there and the only way to qualify is through the death of Jesus in favor

we will be judged for the things we did in the body, whether good or bad.

We will not be judged as sinners, but as servants. In the tribunal of Christ we will be.

as servants of the living God.

The basis for the provision of rewards

The basis, purpose, or means to access the rewards in the Tribunal of

Christ is conditioned by how worthy or unworthy the works he performed are.

present in the body, as mentioned by the Apostle Paul. These works will determine him

degree of development of the Christian during their stay on earth, which will prove the

fidelity granted to this service.

Therefore, the Tribunal of Christ – Bema, will be a judgment that will evaluate the works of the

that have already been saved and this evaluation includes the works themselves, the quality with which they are

they did and the motivation of the heart.

Regarding this evaluation, Thomas Ice mentions the following:

The works, what we do for God counts a lot, Malachi 3:16 speaks of
a book of remembrance, in which God records everything that the believer does for Him...
All works that are evaluated as acts of eternal value or merit, there exists a
reward that serves as a promise and as motivation for such acts. The locality,
with which we do the works for Christ. Paul wrote that divine judgment 'the work
Each one's work will be tested by fire” (1 Cor. 3:13). Before the tribunal, it will be judged.
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whether those works were good or bad (Greek: agathos or phaulos). The good works
it can be defined as those that are clearly "made in God" (Jn.
3:21), they can also be defined as "the work of your faith" (1 Th. 1:3), just as
As God classifies them, good works are designated by gold, silver, and bronze.
precious stones, and they are the fruit of a believer who walks in communion with God and to
Who governs the Holy Spirit. The bad deeds refer to things that, in the eyes
of God, lack value, they could be called the dead works or the works of the
flesh, these are the works that believers do out of pure fleshly energy, not counting
with the power of the Spirit, they are also considered bad if they were done with a
incorrect motivation. The motivations will be revealed at the judgment seat of Christ.
the works that were done. The purpose or motivation of the heart validates or invalidates
the actions of this life. What Jesus thinks of our deeds is more important
what others think. Revelation 2:23 reminds us that God scrutinizes the
minds and hearts to test us and grant us the just reward.12

In this key verse (2 Cor. 5:10) we have a deeper understanding.

towards the actual evaluation of our work. The verse says: "For it is necessary that

let all of us appear.

Regarding this passage, J. Dwight Pentecost writes the following:

The word that was translated as 'appear' in 2Co_5:10 could be better translated
it must be made manifest, so that the verse reads: 'For it is necessary
that all of us be brought to light." This suggests that the purpose
from the stage is to make a manifestation, demonstration, or public revelation of the
character and essential motives of the individual. Plummer's observation: 'No
we will be judged en masse, or in classes, but one by one, according to merit
individual", 7 confirms the fact that this is an individual judgment for each believer.
before the Lord. The works of the believer are subjected to judgment, that is, 'whatever has
done while in the body" (2Co_5:10), to determine if they are
good or bad. Regarding the word bad (phaulos), it should be noted that
Pablo did not use the word that is commonly used for bad (kakos or ponerás), the
which would mean both, that which is ethically or morally bad, but rather
. . . evil under another aspect,
not even that of active or passive malignity, but rather that of uselessness, the
impossibility of having obtained a true profit from it ... This notion of
Uselessness is the central notion.13

There is an inseparable link between labor for the Lord and life in Him. In fact, the

the service we provide is our life, the things we did in the body. Not only do we

Thomas Ice, The Countdown to Armageddon (1999): 96-97.

12

J. Dwight Pentecost, Events of the Future (1989): 171-172.

13
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He will judge what we did for Him, but also who we are. We will present ourselves to be

judged and rewarded for what we allowed God to do in our lives.

Our reasons, capacity, desire to serve, and the service itself will all be summarized in a

single package, which we will present for evaluation. This package is our life. In the

the entire panorama of our Christian existence and service will be exposed.

Reward degrees

Each believer will receive a 'reward', as long as they qualify for it.

Although each of these awards will be different. The Bible speaks of a great reward,

complete, exceedingly large, etc.

Regarding this, Thomas Ice mentions the following:

During the trial, the distribution of the prizes will take place, these in no way...
they will be granted so that the person satisfies their ego, but for praise and glory
of Christ, who empowered the believer to perform that work (Phil. 1:11).
rewards are promised for faithful service. If any work is considered the result of
justice, the praise derived from it should be directed to the one who, in His grace, offered the
opportunity for the work of God to be manifested (Jn. 3:21).14

The rewards, the crowns mentioned in the Bible, are detailed below:

The incorruptible crown

Regarding this crown, Tim LaHaye mentions:

This crown, often referred to as the winner's crown, is awarded to

those who treat their body severely (they keep it in control according to others
translations). This is to those who have purged themselves of temptations
from the pleasures of the world in order to provide a beneficial service to Lord Jesus Christ
to be worthy of this crown. Many children of God have renounced an entire
life of joy in order to serve Christ more effectively.15

Thomas Ice, The Countdown to Armageddon (1999): 99.

14

Tim LaHaye, Life in the Afterlife (1983): 87.

15
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Don't you know that those who run in the stadium, all truly run, but one

does only the winner receive the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. Everyone who fights, of

everyone abstains; they, indeed, to receive a corruptible crown, but we, an

incorruptible. So, in this way I run, not as if to the chance; in this way

I fight, not like someone hitting the air, but I hit my body, and I put it in

servitude, lest having been a herald for others, I myself come to be

"eliminated" (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

When Paul sent this message to the Corinthians, he was evidently thinking

in the sporting events held in Rome. The prize was only a crown of

laurel which soon withered and ended up drying out. However, to gain that

prize the athletes sacrificed, trained, and were subjected to severe discipline. As

he did not want the Christians to strike in the air at random, the apostle reminded them of their

readers who had to fight to win an eternal crown. To achieve this, no one

the sacrifice had to be neither too great nor any preparation too tedious.

the prize will be 'an incorruptible crown', '...an incorruptible, untainted inheritance and

“incorruptible, reserved in the heavens for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). Like J. Dwight

Pentecost, mentions: an incorruptible crown for those who gain mastery over

the old man.

The crown of joy

Regarding this crown, Thomas Ice mentions:

This crown is what the winner of souls will receive. Paul wrote to the
Thessalonians "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown that I
Are you not our glory, before our Lord Jesus Christ, at his coming?
Phil. 2:19). And in another passage, he said to the Philippians: "So, my beloved brothers and
beloved, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, my beloved” (Phil. 4:1). The
evangelization of the lost is a deep desire of God, and He has promised
 17

to reward those who minister to souls for the sake of His name. This is a
principle that Jesus taught thoroughly in John 4.16

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of which I may glory? Is it not

Are you not, before our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Evidently, this reward will be given to those who win souls. Paul was

striving to make his converts in Thessalonica understand that meeting with

They in the presence of the Lord would surpass any other happiness in heaven.

Juan would probably have agreed with him, because he wrote: 'I do not have'

It is greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth" (3 Jn. 4). Daniel, who

he received a special vision concerning the last days, wrote: "And many of "

those who sleep in the dust of the earth will be awakened, some to eternal life, and others

for perpetual shame and confusion. The wise will shine like the shining

from the firmament; and those who teach justice to the multitude, like the stars to eternity

"eternity" (Dn. 12:2, 3). Solomon expressed true wisdom when he wrote: "...the one who

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he who wins souls is wise.

3. The crown of glory

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown

incorruptible crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:4).

When an athlete reached the finish line, the crowd watching from the stands

he would stand up and applaud the achievement of the runner or athlete. Even Caesar smiled

when he placed the crown on the temples of the victorious winner. As Pedro

I was visualizing this scene, my thoughts flew back to that day when the King of kings and

the multitude of redeemed souls will recognize the worth of the spiritual athletes of the earth.

Thomas Ice, The Countdown to Armageddon (1999): 100-101.

16
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Christ will place crowns on the heads of the winners and those who receive them will never

they will regret the effort they made to successfully finish the race. Pablo said:

Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Thomas quotes the following:

This is the crown promised to all who shepherd the flock of God.
having the right motivation (1 Peter 5:2-4). The holy pastors, worthy of
rewards, are those who serve voluntarily instead of doing it for
obligation. Instead of ordering their sheep to be obedient, they themselves give
They admit that their position is a ministry that has been entrusted to them, for which
they must answer to the Eternal Pastor.17

For his part, Tim LaHaye mentions:

This is often called the shepherd's crown. It is reserved for

those who have given their lives in the teaching of the Word of God. This crown
it should be an incentive for young people who are considering the vocation or
company to dedicate their lives to. What can they invest their lives in more
reward in the teaching of the Word of God?18

4. The crown of life

Thomas Ice, quote:

This is the crown that will be given to those who remain faithful throughout the
tests (Stg. 1:2, 3, 12; Rev. 2:10; 3:11). Two of the two requirements in these passages
they include a response of joy, which originates from thinking that it is the Lord who
send the tests, therefore being opportunities to grow and achieve stability thus
how to increase love for the Lord, who motivates faithful behavior.19

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has stood the test

test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).

This will be a special reward for those who overcome temptations. No

it is a reward for a victorious service, but for the dedication to Christ, when the

bad challenges integrity. The Lord said to the church in Smyrna: 'I know your works,

17
Thomas Ice, The Countdown to Armageddon (1999): 100.
18
Tim LaHaye, Life in the Afterlife (1983): 89.
19
Thomas Ice, The Countdown to Armageddon (1999): 100.
 19

and your tribulation, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are

Jews, and they are not, but a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. I

here, the devil will throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and

you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of

life” (Ap. 2:9, 10).

5. The crown of justice

The declaration of Paul "Furthermore, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, the

what will the Lord, the righteous judge, give me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all those

who love its coming" (2 Tim. 4:8) is very significant as it does not say "for all who

they await his coming," because most Christians await his coming. But to say "I

"I hope for your coming" is not the same as saying "I love your coming." Regarding this, Thomas

Ice, mention the following:

Loving the coming of the Lord involves manifesting an obedient lifestyle.

This fidelity offers us a foundation on which to build our trust,
while we await the soon coming of the Lord. This crown is reserved for
all those who eagerly await the return of the Lord.20

The apostle Paul, who had preached the gospel throughout the world.

known in his day was convinced that the Lord would reward his effort. In the

preface of his statement made a brief record of his achievements: "Because I am already for

to be sacrificed, and the time of my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have

I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim. 4:6, 7)

He had reached the end of his ministry and was ready to meet the Lord.

There may be a connection between his testimony and the advice he gave to the Ephesians,

urging them to put on "...the whole armor of God..." (Eph. 6:11), something that the

Thomas Ice, The Countdown to Armageddon (1999): 100.

20
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apostle used throughout his life. He, whose heart had been covered by justice

he was a worthy recipient of the highest honor that heaven can bestow.

Conclusion

The variety of awards mentioned by the apostles represent some of

the honors that will be granted to the servants of Christ. It should be remembered that the Lord

he warned the church of the possibility of losing the crown: "Behold, I come quickly;

hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown" (Rev. 3:11). When they have

concluded all the proceedings before the tribunal of Christ, those appointed to

positions of authority in the kingdom will be ready and probably trained to do

everything that is necessary when Christ reigns in Jerusalem.

 21

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cook, Guillermo. Expository Dictionary of Words of the Old Testament. Trans.

Guillermo Cook.

Douglas, J.D., Tenney, Merrill C. Bible Dictionary N-Z. Hispano World Publishing
2003.

Hagee, John. From Daniel to the Day of Judgment - The countdown has already begun. Nashville,
TM-Miami: Caribbean Editorial, 2000.

The Countdown to Armageddon

Spokesperson, 1999.

Jamieson, Roberto. Exegetical and Explanatory Commentary on the Bible Volume II: The New
Testament. El Paso, Texas: Baptist Publishing House, 2002.

Kistemaker, Simón J. Comments on the New Testament 1 Corinthians. Grand Rapids,

Michigan: Challenge Books, 1998.

Life in the Hereafter

MacArthur, John. Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ.
Tennessee, United States of America: Nelson Group, 2011.

Hispanic World, [Link] Commentary Hispanic World - Volume 22, 1 and 2

Thessalonians 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. El Paso, Texas: Mundo Hispano Publishing.
2009.

Pentecost, J. Dwight. Events of the Future. United States of America: Editorial Vida,
1989.

Pérez Millos, Samuel. Course on Biblical Exegesis and Outlines for Preachers.
Terrassa, Barcelona: Editorial Clie, 1994.

Wilton, Nelson. New Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible. El Caribe Publishing, 1998.