Tag Archives: reward and punishment

October 29
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“Women received back their dead, raised to life again.  There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.”  (Hebrews 11:35, NIV)

Every follower of Jesus should read the entirety of chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews to grasp the fact that current-day faithfulness does not guarantee current-day success.

While it is true that God blesses His faithful ones, we err when we begin to think that these “rewards” all come in this life; or at times when we think we would derive the most benefit from them.  Some rewards — like some punishments, for reasons known only to God — are reserved for life after life.

To be a true person of faith requires that we continue to believe (and act in accordance with that belief) although we have yet to receive that for which we hope.  It is not always an easy day.

However, as the writer of Hebrews assures us in verse 1: This is what the ancients were commended for by God.  – Luther

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September 23
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“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)

We need to beware of thinking — as most of the world does — that because we have “gotten by” that we have, “gotten away.”

We sin, but because we have not immediately suffered the consequences of our sin, we wrongly think that God’s law is on holiday.  This is akin to thinking that just because we have, somehow, avoided being pulled-over by the sheriff for exceeding the speed limit, that it is somehow okay to exceed the speed limit.

Don’t be fooled: God’s law does stands forever!

God’s commandments are for our protection, and for our provision.  Just because we are successful in flouting God’s law does not mean that we are wise.  We shall be called to give an accounting, whether in joy because we have been found faithful; or in tears, because we have been found wanting.  – Luther

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November 2
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“Women received back their dead, raised to life again.  There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.”  (Hebrews 11:35, NIV)

Every follower of Jesus should read the entirety of chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews to grasp the fact that current-day faithfulness does not guarantee current-day success.

While it is true that God blesses His faithful ones, we err when we begin to think that these “rewards” all come in this life; or at times when we think we would derive the most benefit from them.  Some rewards — like some punishments, for reasons known only to God — are reserved for life after life.

To be a true person of faith requires that we continue to believe (and act in accordance with that belief) although we have yet to receive that for which we hope.  It is not always an easy day.

However, as the writer of Hebrews assures us in verse 1: This is what the ancients were commended for by God.  – Luther

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