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Why does God give rewards?

 Submitted: 3/6/2011
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Question: I'm confused about rewards in heaven. People have said that we will be rewarded more for the good works we do after being saved, but even if we don't do them we will still be saved. If that is the case, then why the need to do good works or obey him at all? Isn't being in heaven without rewards infinitely better than being in hell? I know he requires obedience, but with this view isn't there no need to obey him if we just 'believe'?
Answer: First of all, the Bible says that Jesus is 'the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him' (Hebrews 5:9). Those who are saved and truly in love with Jesus do not have to be told that they must obey Him; they will want to obey Him. Also, the Bible says we are 'created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them' (Ephesians 2:10). Doing good is the purpose of our lives. The reason Jesus gives rewards based on our good works is not to motivate us to obey Him, but because He will not be in debt to anyone. In the end, He will pay us for whatever good we do.

You may also want to consider the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30.


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