The Bible clearly states that we cannot earn Salvation, but rather it is a gift from God: “Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is
by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” We earn Salvation through Jesus Christ. However, the reward we receive in Heaven is based on what we do during our lives on Earth: 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body,
according to what He has done, whether good or bad." Also, 1 Corinthians 3:8: "... and each one will receive His own reward according to his own labor." Our reward in Heaven is based on the works we perform while on Earth. But what do we need to do to earn our rewards? The Bible contains numerous references to what we need to do. We receive rewards for how we live our lives. If we live a righteous life, God will reward us: Psalms 18:20 “The LORD has rewarded me according to my
righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me”. Also, Psalms 58:11: And men will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely there is a God who judges on earth.” We will be rewarded for our prayer life. (Matt 6:6: "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”). Yes, spend time talking to God in prayer and you will not only see the benefits in your Earthly life, but receive eternal reward. Rewards will be given to us if we take care of the poor. (Mark 9:41: "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.”). Take care of the poor and you will be repaid many times over. Even if no one can see, God will know what we do on behalf of the poor. (Matt 6:4: so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.) Great rewards are reserved for those who were persecuted or gave their lives for Christ: (Matt 5:12: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”). If we are ridiculed for our belief in Christ, we should rejoice because the reward will be more than we can comprehend. Jesus promises a reward if we love our enemies: (Luke 6:35: "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…) There are numerous other ways to earn rewards, but the concept is essentially the same. If we live the life that God wants us to, if we deny ourselves and live for God, we will receive significant rewards. Is there a way to lose rewards for works done? Yes. (Matt 6:1-2: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”). There are many people who are very generous, as long as others see it. Do not advertise your righteousness, but do God’s works in private. Your reward will be great. Keep working to build your heavenly rewards because one day, we will all have to give an accounting to God for all the works we have done, whether good or evil. And remember, once Jesus returns, he will be coming to pass out not only punishments, but also rewards. Rev 22:12: "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. Mark Askeda