The Bribe

The Bribe

Anyone who wants to come to [God] must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

In the Bible is an interesting theology that is primarily overlooked by most Christians. It is sometimes referred to as “reward theology.” You can see it revealed in the Scriptures in many places where God says to us, “If you do this, I’ll do that.” For example, Genesis 4:7 says, “You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you.” So, if we do what is right, we will be accepted by God. Great reward.

In 1 Chronicles 28:9 we see that “if you seek [God], you will find him.” And John 15:10 says, [If] “you obey my commandments, you remain in my love.” So we are rewarded richly for doing God’s will God’s way.

At a certain children’s hospital, a boy gained a reputation for wreaking havoc with the nurses and staff. One day a visitor who knew about his terrorizing nature made him a deal: “If you are good for a week,” she said, “I’ll give you a dime when I come again.”

A week later she stood before his bed. “I’ll tell you what,” she said, “I won’t ask the nurses if you behaved. You must tell me yourself. Do you deserve the dime?”

After a moment’s pause, a small voice from between the sheets said softly, “Gimme a penny.”

And so it is with our Christian lives. God offers us the great reward of heaven if we follow his guidelines, but we can never earn it—he gives it to us as a gift, free and clear. It’s called grace. What a reward!

—Lewis and Faye Copeland

Father, thank you so much for rewarding us with a home in heaven with you. We know we can receive it only by the gift of your grace. And we are humbled by your sweet gift. Amen.