In the second chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is unequivocal in his assertion that faith in Christ Jesus ensures entry into the Kingdom of Heaven – not our deeds on this earth:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.“

Ephesians 2:8-9

Those of faith can rejoice in the scriptural confirmation of eternal life. But the Bible also makes it abundantly clear such faith will manifest in good works:

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.“

James 2:17

Those works are evidence of our faith and obedience to God. Seemingly, however, they are also the basis upon which we will be rewarded in Heaven. Although some scholars believe that heavenly rewards are shared equally among all who are saved in Christ, my reading of scripture suggests otherwise.

“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”

Matthew 16:27

These words, straight from the mouth of the Living Christ, appear quite unambiguous to me.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul elaborates, teaching that we are to build upon the foundation of our faith in Jesus, and that our work will be tested by fire. If that work endures, a reward will be ours:

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

I see these verses as further validation that our faith ensures us a place in heaven. However, the rewards that await us there will vary based on two things: (1) the fruit we produce, and (2) the sacrifices we have made in His Name.

That “fruit” seems to be measured by those whom we have turned to righteousness.

“Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.“

Daniel 12:3

And in Matthew 19:29, Jesus makes it clear that our sacrifices are noted and the rewards will far exceed what we have given up to receive them:

“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”

What, specifically, are these “rewards?”

While it is difficult to speculate, scripture does offer some clues. We can surmise, perhaps, that those who produce good fruit will be given more responsibility in heaven. For example, Jesus promises that the apostles will be seated on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:27-28). Similar inferences can be derived from the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30):

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Matthew 25:23

Other biblical rewards are perhaps more tangible. These include, for instance, the Five Heavenly Crowns.

In his Insights on the Revelation (2011), author and pastor Charles Swindoll characterizes the Five Heavenly Crowns as “rewards in Heaven for faithfulness in this life.” These include:

The Crown of Life – For those who endure persecution unto death:

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.“

James 1:12 (see also Revelation 2:10)

The Crown of Imperishability – For those who run the race of life in purity and control:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.“

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

The Crown of Righteousness – For those who live in the expectation of Christ’s coming:

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.“

2 Timothy 4:8

The Crown of Glory – For those who lead the church with humility:

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.“

1 Peter 5:2-4

The Crown of Exultation – For those who win others to Christ:

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.“

1 Thessalonians 2:19

In His grace through our faith, God has given us the gift of salvation. We cannot lose it because we did not – and could not – earn it. But the rewards of Heaven with which He blesses us in accordance with our lives on this earth – whether they be crowns, responsibilities or simply the boundless joy of His eternal presence – can indeed be lost. Ours is to be an active faith – a fruit-producing faith. Let us not simply turn inward with it, but seek to bring others to righteousness through our good works. For as the Apostle John warns us:

“Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.”

2 John 8

See also: Quick Thoughts on Faith & Works