We Will Be Rewarded

We Will Be Rewarded

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.

Matthew 5:11–12

If it’s impossible to receive God’s grace except through faith in Christ, why does the Bible include so many passages about God rewarding people for the good things they’ve done? These passages are intended to comfort Christians. When you become a Christian, you will find forgiveness both for past sins and for the ones you commit every day. But you’ll have to work hard and suffer a lot as a result of your faith and baptism. Jesus makes it clear that the devil, the world, and your sinful nature will attack you from every direction and make you feel hemmed in on all sides.

If you were left in this predicament without anything to comfort you, you would give up in despair and say, “Who wants to be a Christian, or speak about Christ, or do good works? Look at what happens to Christians. The world walks all over them, slanders and humiliates them. It plays all kinds of cruel tricks on them. In the end, they lose their honor, property, and lives. Christ calls them helpless, sorrowful, hungry, meek, afflicted, and persecuted! Is that all he can say? Will this last forever and never change?”

At that point, Christ strengthens and comforts us by saying, “You are children of God. He is going to take care of you. Even though you have to suffer in the world now for being children of God, don’t let that suffering frighten you. Don’t let what you experience tire you out or wear you down. Every one of you must continue to do your duty. This is painful, but it won’t do you any real harm. The kingdom of heaven is yours, and you will be richly rewarded.”