“The most glorious reward awaits such fidelity at the hour of Christ’s return, while the heaviest punishment threatens the selfish indolence that would decline active employment of what it has received.”
~Goebel
“A crown is of value for what it implies rather than what it is.”
~D.M. Panton
“Christ’s cross is Christ’s way to Christ’s crown…No Cross No Crown.”
~William Penn
“The faculty of the soul that pants for Glory is implanted of God.”
~Robert Govet
“He who despises a throne despises Him Who confers it.”
~D.M. Panton
“To Him who overcomes I will give the right to sit with me in my throne even as I over came and my Father gave me the right to sit with Him on His throne.”
~Jesus Christ
Our “…affliction is producing for us…glory.” This future glory is “far beyond all comparison” to our present affliction making it both “momentary and light,” regardless of the intensity (2 Corinthians 4:17). Those who have the “eyes of their heart…enlightened,” will “know the hope to which he has called us.” This hope is spoken of as a “glorious inheritance (Ephesians 1:18).” The hope that we have, is to one day receive the inheritance. We are “born again to a living hope…to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for us…(1 Peter 1:3-7).” Notice that the inheritance is not heaven, but “in heaven.” This is the “…Heavenly calling…(Hebrews 3:1).”
We have become partakers of the promises of Abraham by our faith placing us “in Christ,” who is Abraham’s seed. Abraham’s inheritance, though two- fold, heavenly and earthly, involves the earth (Romans 4:13 both spheres can be seen in Daniel 4:26, 10:13 the heavens ruling over the earth). We are co-heirs with Christ, “if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17). Christ’s inheritance is “the nations” and “ends of the earth His possession” (Psalm 2:8). “In this we greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while…you have been distressed by various trials…” you “may be found to result in…glory…at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-8). It matters not what this life brings to you. As in Job’s case, in uprightness (1:1), he despaired of life (17:1), suffered the loss of his servants (1:13), children (1:18), health (2:7,13), wealth (1:16), and the loyalty of his wife (2:9). As he remained faithful through it all (13:15, 1:22), God brought Him into a restoration incomparable to what he previously had (42:10-15). “…I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).” “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13).” That man who “endures temptation/trials” through obedience to Christ commands (John 14:23), will be “blessed” by being “approved,” and when “approved, he will receive the crown of life (James 1:12 Just because we as Christians are in line through Christ to obtain an inheritance, doesn’t mean that it cannot be forfeited. Esau despised and gave up his inheritance for a temporal craving (Genesis 25:33-34). When he, “sought for the blessing with tears,” “He could bring about no change of mind” and was “rejected,” with respect to the inheritance). Paul thought of the crown or approval of such value that he said, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that…I myself will not be disapproved (1 Corinthians 9:24).”
It is in your hands to, “come after” him. It is your decision to, “Deny” yourself. Only you can choose to, “take up” your “cross.” But you can be assured, if you “save” your “life,” you “will lose it.” “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward (just recompense; exact payment for services rendered) each person according to what he has done (whether good or bad, 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:24,27).” Beloved, as far as fleshly lusts go, “beat your body into submission (1 Corinthians 9:24).” As far as suffering goes, “endure (James 1:12).” There is nothing else to say on the matter. Scripture simply leaves no room for explanation or excuse. There are no “special” cases. One either overcomes in his life or he does not. The requirements of remaining faithful to receive a crown do not bend according to certain situations or individuals. “…It is required of stewards that one be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).” Jesus spoke on this matter in the parables of the talents and pounds. Faithfulness was required of each servant at the return of their Master. Each servant was rewarded accordingly, both good and bad (Luke 19:11-26; Matthew 25:14-28). What is required of you is required of me, namely, faithfulness. Your life, whether you are sick, poor, rich, old, young, everything seems to go well, or you have countless areas that constantly collapse, it matters not. If you’ve lost everything, gained everything, been betrayed or befriended, it matters not. Affliction or peace, persecution or fame, money or poverty, IT MATTERS NOT! These things carry no weight, have no significance, hold no relevance, for soon “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account for the deeds that were done in the body, whether good, or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).” This judgment is for a specific purpose, namely, to prove who overcame. For, “he who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me, even as I overcame and my Father gave me the right to sit with Him (Revelation 3:21).” “He who overcomes I will give authority over the nations (Revelation 2:26).” The overcoming Christians, “will receive a kingdom, and will posses it forever-yes, forever and ever (Daniel 7:18,22,27).”
The fulfillment of the creation of all things, the promises to Abraham and the effects of the blood of the crucified Christ will be made manifest, reconciling all things to Himself (Colossians 1:16-19). All the “kingdoms of this world” will become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ (Revelation 11:15). Can you see it? This day when the promises to Abraham and the purpose for Adam become fulfilled through Christ ascending the throne with faithful men to rule the earth for ever and ever? Is it real to you? Is it real enough to suffer for? Is it real enough to die for? Is it real enough to transform your mind to see any affliction of torture or self denial as something “momentary” and “light?” Is it such a reality and such a hope to you that any profit in this life is seen as “loss” or rubbish?” Is it so real that you have no desire other than to “become like” Christ “in His death,” to “share in his sufferings” so as to “attain” the resurrection out of the resurrected (Philippians 3:7-11)? Does the truth of the glory to come and sorrow of its loss cause you to weep for those who are not willing to receive it (Luke 13:34; 19:41-44; Mark 3:5)?
I issue a call to every Christian that exists! Every person who has passed from death unto life! Live worthy! He calls you into His Glory and Kingdom! (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Revelation 3:4). The magnitude and severity of this matter is beyond measure. I issue a warning to every Christian! Awake! Stand up! Endure! Put on Strength (Ephesians 5:14-17)!
“…the sole legitmate ambition in the world-”to be well-pleasing unto Him.’
~Bengel
“What our eyes looked on, what our ears listen to; what our hearts loved, what our minds believed, what our lips said, what our hands wrought, where our feet walked:-these are the unimpeachable evidences of the Judgment Seat. Secrets (1 Cor. 4:5). Motives (Matt 6:1). Soul attitudes (Luke 6:36-38)…the evidence wholly decides the award.”
~D. M. Panton
“Somewhere there exists a draft by the hand of God of what our lives might have been…”
~D.M. Panton
“Christ will simply not say, “Well done…” if it has not in fact been well done.”
~G. Campbell Morgan
“I am coming soon. My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done”
~Jesus Christ
Eric Gilmour is an Associate Editor for Voice of Revolution, overseeing Revival & Evangelism. Visit his website at agonypress.podbean.com
© Eric Gilmour for Voice of Revolution, 2011. | Permalink