If one were to simplify the progression of the Christian life into three phases, we’ve just covered the first two: salvation and sanctification. But there’s one final part we’ve left out—and that’s glorification.
What happens after we die? Everyone has wondered that at one point or another. It’s one of the biggest questions of humanity. Every day, we’re confronted with global tragedy, and reminded that life can change—or end—far too quickly.
When you accept Christ’s salvation, your eternity with God starts right then and there. And upon death, you enter into your heavenly reward, as does everyone else who has accepted that salvation.
Do those rewards differ? That’s a tricky question. One cannot earn their salvation; at the same time, multiple passages discuss storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6, 10; Luke 14, 16). One of these discusses inviting the poor and disenfranchised to your banquets, rather than your typical invite list, for then “at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who cannot repay you.” (Luke 14:14) Later, in chapter 16, Jesus is recorded as saying “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”
Obviously, a reward is not stored up for those who use their worldly resources for themselves alone. However, as discussed in the distinction between salvation and sanctification, we know that good deeds do not equal going to heaven. Christ’s grace is sufficient.
So what about this difference? It’s like sanctification. You don’t seek to follow God to earn your salvation. It’s the journey that makes it worth it—something too precious to pass up. Likewise, you don’t turn to help your fellow man with one eye toward your reward (like the Pharisees praying on the street corner)—you do it out of the love that God has placed in your heart and the desire to follow Him on the grand adventure.
There are only two things you can possibly take to heaven with you—those treasures that the Lord has stored up for you in honor of faithful service, and the people that you have shared the good news with and invited into the Kingdom. In a world obsessed with power and possessions, reputation and resources, and anything we can grasp onto during our short sojourn on Earth, these two things should point as a compass in answer to the question of how we should live, and why.
In Christ,
Pastor George
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