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BY THE AUTHOR
Dr. Clarence E. Mason, Jr.
Philadelphia College of Bible
1970

SALVATION AND REWARDS
It is of great importance to the right understanding of the Word to distinguish between the doctrine of salvation for the lost and the doctrine of rewards for the faithful services of the saved.

What that distinction is may be seen by carefully noting the following contrasts:

1. SALVATION IS A FREE GIFT
   John 4:10; Revelation 22:17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 55:1; Romans 6:23.
   
   In contrast with the freeness of salvation we note that:
    
2. REWARDS ARE EARNED BY WORKS
   Matthew 10:42; Revelation 22:12; Luke 19:17; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelation 2:10.
   1. Five crowns are mentioned.
      1. The crown of joy - the reward of ministry, soul-winning, 1 Thes. 2:19; Phil. 4:1.
      2. The crown of righteousness - the reward of faithfulness in testimony, 2 Tim. 4:8.
      3. The crown of life - the reward of faithfulness under trial, Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10.
      4. The crown of glory - the reward of faithfulness in suffering, 1 Pet. 5:4; Heb. 2:9.
      5. The incorruptible crown - the reward of temperateness, 1 Cor. 9:24-25.
   2. Reasons why God offers rewards
      1. To wean us from earthly riches and pleasures, Heb. 11:24-26.
      2. To inspire us to do good to all men, Lk. 14:13-14.
      3. To strengthen us when tempted, Jas. 1:12.
      4. To bear us up under persecution, Mt. 5:11-12.
      5. To encourage us in affliction, 2 Cor. 4:17.
      6. To make us faithful in all things, Col. 3:17-25,7A.
      7. To urge us on in personal winning of souls, Dan. 12:3.
      8. To increase our missionary zeal, Jn. 4:35-36.
          
3. SALVATION IS A PRESENT POSSESSION
   John 3:36; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 5:11; John 5:24 R.V.; Luke 7:50; John 6:47; Titus 3:5. Shall we learn it?
   
   In contrast with the present tense in the salvation passages is the future tense in reward passages:
    
4. REWARDS ARE A FUTURE ATTAINMENT
   Matthew 16:27; 1 Peter 5:4; Luke 14:14; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12; Matthew 25:19.
   
   There is a warning given concerning crowns, Rev. 3:11; Col. 2:18; Jn. 1:8. God does not and cannot reckon the believer's merit or works to the account of his salvation, but He does acknowledge the believer's good works. The saved one owes nothing to God in payment for salvation, which is bestowed as a gift; but he does owe God a life of undivided devotion, and for this life of devotion, there is promised a reward.

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