Tags: repentance, salvation through Jesus Christ, follow Christ, eternal rewards, Christian faith, good works, judgment seat of Christ
In the vast landscape of human pursuit, people strive for wealth, recognition, influence, and success. Yet, all these things are fleeting—bound by time and destined to fade. The Bible calls us to seek something infinitely greater: eternal life through Jesus Christ and everlasting rewards in heaven. This pursuit begins with repentance, leads to salvation, and continues with faithful service that will be rewarded eternally.
1. Repentance: The First Step Toward God
Repentance is not just feeling sorry for one's sins—it is a heartfelt turning away from sin and a turning toward God. The Lord Jesus Christ began His earthly ministry by preaching repentance. In Mark 1:15 KJV, Jesus declared, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Repentance is foundational. Without it, there can be no true faith, no real relationship with God, and no salvation.
True repentance involves acknowledging our sin, confessing it before God, and forsaking it with a desire to be cleansed and changed. David expressed such a spirit in Psalm 51:10 KJV, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
The modern world often ignores the seriousness of sin. But unless a person repents, Jesus warned of the consequence: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3 KJV). Thus, repentance is not an option—it is a divine command.
2. Accepting and Following the Lord Jesus Christ for Salvation
Repentance alone does not save; it prepares the heart to receive Christ. Salvation is found only in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not just a good teacher, a moral guide, or a religious figure—He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29 KJV).
To accept Jesus Christ means to believe in Him—not merely with mental assent, but with a full trust in His death, burial, and resurrection as the only way to be reconciled with God. John 3:16 KJV proclaims the heart of the Gospel: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Following Jesus is not simply a one-time decision—it is a lifelong walk of faith, obedience, and surrender. Jesus said in Luke 9:23 KJV, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
True followers of Christ obey His commands, love His Word, and grow in grace. They don’t live to please themselves, but to glorify their Savior in every area of life.
3. Works Do Not Save—But They Matter
The Bible is clear: we are not saved by our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV teaches, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” No amount of good deeds, religious rituals, or moral efforts can earn salvation.
However, good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. As verse 10 continues: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Our works serve as evidence of a transformed life. They demonstrate our love for Christ and our desire to serve Him. They are acts of gratitude for the grace we have received.
4. Rewards Await the Faithful at the Judgment Seat of Christ
One of the most neglected teachings in the Christian life is the doctrine of eternal rewards. While salvation is a free gift, rewards are earned through faithfulness, obedience, and service. The Bible speaks of the Judgment Seat of Christ, not to determine salvation, but to assess the quality of a believer’s life and labor for the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
At that judgment, every Christian will give an account—not of their sin, which was paid for at Calvary—but of their service. Were we faithful stewards of our time, talents, and treasures? Did we witness for Christ, support the work of God, pray, love others, and walk in holiness?
The Bible speaks of crowns that will be given as rewards:
- The Incorruptible Crown for those who practiced self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV).
- The Crown of Righteousness for those who loved Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV).
- The Crown of Life for those who endured trials faithfully (James 1:12 KJV).
- The Crown of Glory for faithful shepherds and leaders (1 Peter 5:4 KJV).
These crowns are not for our glory, but for Christ’s. One day, we will cast them at His feet in worship (Revelation 4:10 KJV).
5. Living Today with Eternity in Mind
To live for Christ is to live for eternity. We are not home yet. Every sacrifice, every act of love, every moment spent for the kingdom of God will be remembered and rewarded.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
The Christian life is not a sprint—it is a marathon. We are called to persevere, to walk by faith, and to lay up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust cannot corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matthew 6:20 KJV).
This eternal perspective should shape our daily choices. Are we living for what matters? Are we investing our lives in things that last? The world offers temporary pleasures—but Christ offers eternal joy.
Conclusion: Repent, Believe, and Serve
God is calling every soul to repent of sin, to believe on His Son, and to follow Him faithfully. The gift of salvation is free, but the journey of discipleship is costly. Yet, it is worth it—because eternity is real, and the rewards are everlasting.
Let us live each day in the light of that coming day when we will see our Savior face to face. May we be found faithful—repentant, redeemed, and ready to be rewarded.
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” — Revelation 22:12 KJV
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