The New Testament Scriptures contain a doctrine of salvation for the lost, and a doctrine of rewards for the faithful service of the saved. It is important to have an understanding of the distinction between these two doctrines.

1. Salvation
   1. Salvation is a free gift
      • John 4:10 - "Gift of God"
      • Isaiah 55:1 - "Without money and without price"
      • Revelation 22:17 - "Take the water of life freely"
      • Romans 6:23 - "Gift of God is eternal life"
      • Ephesians 2:8,9 - "It is the gift of God"
   2. Salvation is a present possession
      • 1John 5:11 - "God hath given to us eternal life"
      • 2Peter 1:3 - "Hath given unto us all things"
      • Titus 3:4,5 - "According to His mercy He saved us"
      • John 3:36 - "He that believeth... hath everlasting life"
      • John 5:24 - "Is passed from death unto life"
      • John 6:47 - "Believeth on Me hath everlasting life"
2. Rewards
   1. Rewards are earned by work
      • 2Timothy 4:7,8 - "Fought a good fight... laid up for me a crown of righteousness"
      • Revelation 22:12 - "My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be"
      • 1Corinthians 9:24,25 - "Run, that ye may obtain [the prize]"
      • 1Corinthians 3:11-15 - "If any man's work abide... he shall receive a reward"
   2. Rewards are a future attainment
      • Matthew 16:27 - "He shall reward every man according to his works"
      • Luke 14:14 - "Thou shalt be recompensed [rewarded]"
      • 1Thessalonians 2:19 - "What is our... crown... even ye... at His coming?"
      • James 1:12 - "Shall receive the crown of life"
      • 1Peter 5:4 - "When... shall appear... ye shall receive a crown of glory"
      • Revelation 2:10 - "I will give the a crown of life"
3. These two principles cannot be mingled
   • Romans 4:4,5 - "To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt"
   • Romans 11:6 - "If it be of works, then is it no more grace"
4. Purpose of Promising Rewards
   God's purpose in promising to reward with heavenly and eternal honors the faithful service of His saints, is to win them from the pursuit of earthly riches and pleasures, to sustain them in the fires of persecution, and to encourage them in the exercise of Christian virtues.
   • Hebrews 11:8-10 - "Abraham... looked for a city"
   • Hebrews 11:24-27 - "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt"
   • Luke 14:12-14 - "Thou shalt be blessed"
   • Matthew 10:41,42 - "Shall receive... reward"
   • Colossians 3:22-24 - "Of the Lord ye shall receive the reward"
   • Matthew 5:11,12 - "Great is your reward in heaven"
   • John 4:35,36 - "Receiveth wages"
   • Daniel 12:3 - "They that be wise shall shine"
   • 2Timothy 4:8 - "Laid up for me a crown"
5. A warning
   • Revelation 3:11 - "Hold fast... that no man take thy crown"

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