Works

Prophecy: works of gold, silver, presious stones

"However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness" Rom 4:5. We must trust God and believe that what Christ did on the cross paid the full debt of our sins. "Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes" Rom 10:4 "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" Rom 3:21. This is just saying in a nutshell, He took all of our sins and suffered as through He himself did them and we receive His righteousness deposited to our account and get credit for what He did as though we did it ourselves.

Faith in the work of Christ brings salvation and work for Christ after we are saved brings rewards in heaven.

We saw the other day that our works are to be tried in fire. If we build out of wood, hay or stubble, we have no reward. If our works are of gold, silver, or precious stones we shall receive a reward. 1 Cor 3:14.

Works of gold
In side the Holy place of the Tabernacle where the deeds of worship took place everything was made of gold. The wise men brought gifts of Gold. They came to worship Him. The golden candlestick was made of pure gold. It illumined the holy place so they could see to worship God. The Holy Spirit is essential for us to worship God in Spirit and truth" John 4:23. It seems this represents our worship of God and doing what we do for the glory of God.

Works of silver in Scripture is associated with redemption Num 3:46-51. Most believe this is our works in evangelism. It involves the "sowing of seed" Matt 13, and some shall fall by the wayside, some on stony ground, some among the thorns but some on good ground and we shall be rewarded no matter what the results may be. One plants, another waters but God gives the increase 1 Cor. 3:6-8 "and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor." And so it is all for His glory and lo and beheld we are blessed and rewarded for it all.

Works of precious stones
The priests wore the breast plate of the costly stones with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel as the priests went to the altar of incense, the place of prayer. "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD" Ex. 28:29. What a fabulous description of intercessory pray for others. Great will be the reward thereof.

Learn about the rewards of crowns on Friday.

O dear people. It does matter how we live down here after we are saved. You can get a spanking down here or a reward up there.

Prayer: Father, may we live so that we get a "full reward" and have treasures in heaven and crowns to lay at Jesus feet. In Jesus name.