Rewards and Punishments

Introduction

Our paper will introduce the terms: reward and punishment. We will outline how Scripture exemplifies these in a literal and figurative manner. Then the paper will discuss the degrees of rewards and punishments, as well as the recipients.

How can you read this paper in a personal and practical manner? As you read, keep in mind that rewards are promised less as incentives to godly living for the sake of earthly prosperity. Rather, more as motivation to endure in the faith during trying times. The unseen heavenly reward for us Christians is offered as a consolation and sustaining hope—an encouragement not to lose heart. Remember that the final judgment of God does involve a punishment to the evildoers. Justice is one of the most outstanding attributes of God in Scripture as time and again God is depicted as the herald of justice. The necessary context for observing the Revelation’s context of punishment is the Bible’s persistent affirmation of God as the perfect judge.

Reward

A reward is a payment made in return for a service rendered or an act performed to strengthen an approved behavior. The concept of ‘rewards’ is woven throughout the Bible as individuals receive rewards because their actions exhibit good things required by God. These can be seen in the Old Testament in the lives of Abraham and Sarah as their life of faith and believe in God’s covenant is rewarded by the birth of a promised son (Genesis 21) and exemplified in his continual looking forward to God’s promise to be fulfilled as seen in Hebrews 11:8-10. Joseph is rewarded with political authority within Egypt, and David’s refusal to end the life of Saul is also rewarded in a similar manner of earthly gain (Genesis 39, 1 Samuel 24). Within the Old Testament many examples are evidenced in the reception of literal rewards of riches, honor, rain, crops, harvest, honor, prosperity, success (Ps. 18:20, Deut. 28:1-14, Prov. 22:4). Within the New Testament the idea of rewards shifts from the physical and temporal rewards to an increasing emphasis on spiritual and eternal (currently unseen) rewards.

When will rewards be given?

In order to receive due recompense for actions completed in the body, Paul depicts in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that every believer will stand before Christ at what is called, ‘the judgment seat of Christ,’ or the bema (Greek). It is at the bema that the good will be commended and a reward given for imperishable deeds.¹ While the scope of this paper does not cover specific judgments, it is necessary to make note that the eternal rewards referred to within this paper are the ones to be received on the ‘day of judgment’ or the bema. A distinction is made between belief and actions where a persons belief on earth determines their eternal location (heaven or hell), while their actions or deeds on earth determine their reward or punishment.² While John assures the believer they will not come under God’s judgment in John 5:24, he is referring to one’s eternal destiny and not how faithful one lives his/her Christian life.³

Jesus spoke frequently concerning future rewards: “He will reward each according to his works (Matthew 16:27), “You will have treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21), “You will be blessed…for you shall be repaid at the resurrection” (Luke 14:14). The return of Jesus is imminent as stated in Revelation 22:12: “Look! I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done!” As Believers we need to be ready and thus the ideas of rewards is an important subject to study and understand.

Rewards in Scripture

Within the New Testament two different Greek words are used to describe, “rewards.” “Misthos,” implies the idea of payment or honor for a specific job (Mt 20:8, Luke 6:23)⁴, while apodidomai is the combination of two Greek words which means to give back in return or to repay.⁵ A main passage concerning rewards is found in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:

For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each builder’s work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done. 14 If what someone has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If someone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Within the process of the bema, deeds done in the flesh (depicted here by wood, hay or straw) are consumed with fire and thus unworthy of reward. These are deeds done for man’s personal gain or honor without regard to bringing God glory. Even ‘good deeds’ such as prayer, giving, or fasting could be consumed by fire at the bema if done with the wrong motive.⁶ On the contrary, that which remains after the fire (gold, silver, precious stones) represents imperishable deeds which will receive reward. These are deeds done for the glory of God and completed without regard to man’s praise (as depicted in the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee in Luke 18). It’s not the actual deed which is judged, but it’s the motives of men’s hearts as Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5. At the bema the motive of the heart is revealed and deeds are rewarded.

Actual Rewards

The concept of treasures in heaven is taught in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” This verse comes during Jesus’ teaching of the Sermon on the Mount upon how one should live their lives in light of God’s commandments. A heavy emphasis is given upon deeds done on earth, but it’s important to remember the consideration of the heart’s motive as discussed above (1 Corinthians 4:4-5). It is unclear from scripture the exact nature of the rewards at the bema, but whatever is received will be real and have eternal value (1 Corinthians 9:25).

The promise of a future inheritance or an admonition to hope for what is to come often precedes discussion concerning rewards in heaven. This teaching is scattered throughout the Bible as depicted in Colossians 3:23-25 when Paul reminds the Believers concerning the future reward: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.” The inheritance is often understood as the inheritance of the ‘kingdom of God’ whom all believers are heirs (1 Peter 1:3-4). All believers will inherit an eternal home in heaven, given glorified bodies, and enjoy an eternal relationship with God, but those who excel in their perseverance and faithfulness to what God has given them will enjoy the fullness of inheritance.⁷ And Paul teaches that those who are fornicators, idolater, adulterers, homosexuals, etc will not inherit the kingdom of God.

A popular interpretation of this passage is that this list describes the unbeliever. However, Joe Wall in his book, Reward and Loss at the Judgment of Believers, asserts Paul is using the phrase ‘inherit the kingdom of God’ as one whom already has a share in the eternal kingdom (a Believer). “[Paul] is not saying that the one described will be eliminated from living eternally in heaven but that he will come up empty-handed in the messianic kingdom” (Wall, pg 83).

Crowns as Rewards

The question concerning rewards remains centered around the discussion between a literal or figurative interpretation of scripture. Most scholars determine five different types of crowns from scripture which represent five different types of deeds. Millard Erickson states, “The term crown is also used to symbolize the rewards Christians receive,” (Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology, 45). The Apostles mention five crowns as rewards for service in the epistles.

Runner’s crown – Incorruptible Crown

And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath (crown), but we an imperishable (I Cor 9:25).

Soul-winner’s crown – Crown of Rejoicing

For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming (I Thes 2:19).

Lover’s crown - Crown of Righteousness

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing (II Tim 4:7-8).

Shepherd’s or Pastor’s crown – Crown of Glory

Shepherd the flock of God among you, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God…And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (I Pet 5:2-4).

Martyr’s crown – Crown of Life

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (Jam 1:12),

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev 2:10).

The question remains if these crowns are literal or symbolic. Some scholars veer towards the side of literal interpretation of five different actual incorruptible crowns which will last for all of eternity and remain as a special mark given by the Lord to honor those who served him faithfully in this life.⁸ While others would claim that these crowns are merely a symbol of honor to be received by individuals and also symbolic of deeds which will be rewarded. The crowns could also represent an authority structure of some sort, as scriptures describe Believers as participating in a world government, and enjoying special privileges of service (Matt. 25:34, Col 3:23-24, Rev. 2:27; 3:21) in addition to positions as mayors, governors, and rulers.⁹ The evidence is simply inconclusive concerning the actual future events to unfold at the bema.

Even if the actual identity of the reward remains unknown, what is certain is the occurrence of the bema and the fact all Christ followers will be rewarded on account of their faithfulness. This has been shown through strong scriptural support in this paper. This alone should affect the way life is lived today for what is done on earth echoes in eternity. Those suffering today should be encouraged by these words to persevere for their deeds will not go unnoticed. They will be rewarded. A focus upon eternal things helps remind one of the temporary state of the life in which we live. However, the way we live this life is of great importance because it gives weight into how one will experience the rest of eternity. All Believers will inherit the Kingdom because of their faith in Christ, however not all inheritances will be equal because not all are equally faithful. Individuals should be motivated to please God and receive their full reward.

Pun-ish-ment¹⁰

Function: noun

1: the act of punishing

2: a) suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution b) a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure
3: severe, rough, or disastrous treatment

4: As defined in Hollomon: Negative consequences or sanctions that result from a finding of guilt of condemnation. Human punishment frequently aims at upholding the integrity of the rules that have been broken or restraining future law-breaking.¹¹

Literal

To better understand ‘punishment’, we must agree that most times it follows this simple format: the antecedent (what led up to it), the occurrence (how it was done), and the consequence (what followed as a result of it). Punishment, in this manner, is a deserved result or a crime or wrongful act, and the logical understanding is: what people sow, they reap. However, more than simply being punished for a civil crime, punishment in the Bible is simply a violation of God’s moral law. Because of the impeccable nature of God, punishment is a character placed on Christ, who was wrongly punished by people but suffered justly in God’s judicial plan¹². The ‘story of the Fall’ is one example of the literal accomplishment of punishment.

Prototypical Example of Punishment: Adam and Eve
1. Crime	2. Antecedent	3. Occurrence	4. Consequence
Eating the fruit that God had forbidden	Subtle temptation of Eve by the Serpent	Falling into the temptation and eating the fruit	God expels Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, and then ultimately, the curse of sin

We are rarely allowed to forget the idea of punishment as we read the Bible. The Old Testament reveals literal punishments on numerous accounts. In order to stay focused on the eschatological view of punishment, please briefly review some of the Old Testament examples:

• Wickedness of human race, punished by the flood
• Lot & family punished for an ill-advised move to Sodom
• Abraham & Sarah punished for their expedient act of having a child by Hagar
• Jacob punished for his self-seeking behavior toward Esau
• Joseph’s brothers punished for their crime

Punishment by God’s supernatural intervention into earthly affairs:

• Pharaoh’s hard heart punished by 10 plagues (eventually death)
• Egyptian army’s pursuit of Israelites, punished by Red Sea
• Miriam’s rejection of Moses’ authority, punished by leprosy
• Israelites testing of God, punished by 40-year wandering in the wilderness

…and more

Although the New Testament is not as rich in examples and images, there is definitely an articulation of the eternal and eschatological ideas of punishment. Jesus’ discourses and parables yield the most vivid images:

• It is better to enter into eternal life blind and without one’s limbs than to have one’s “whole body be thrown into hell” (Mt 5:27-30)
• The foolish mistake of building a house (life) on sand results in a great fall (Mt 7:24-27)
• The five unprepared virgins are permanently barred from the wedding feast (Mt 25:1-13)
• The wicked and slothful servant is cast “into the outer darkness” (Mt 25:15-30)
• The goats will be separated from the sheet to “go away into eternal punishment” at the final judgment (Mt 25:31-46)
• Those who place everyday concerns above the messianic banquet will be permanently excluded from salvation (Lk 14:15-24)
• The rich man is punished in the afterlife for the lack of compassion in the present life (Lk 16:19-31) ¹³

…and more

Literal or Figurative

This leads us into the discussion of the future and eternal punishments and whether they are literal or figurative. The analogy of crime and punishment can also be used in an eschatological context. The crime consists of the demonic and human worlds’ rejection of Christ and pursuit of evil. The dominant images of punishment in Revelation are images of physical torment on either a cosmic scale (earthquakes, hail, fire, water turned to blood, darkness, locusts), an international scale (warfare and famine), and a personal scale (sores on people, scorching from the sun, people gnawing their tongues in anguish).¹⁴ And lastly, the constant reminder is given in scripture of the eternal punishment: hell. Here are some examples where scripture uses literal concepts to evoke figurative perspectives. (The issue of “hell” will not be discussed in this paper; refer to Final State-Hell research paper)

Scripture	Literal	Figurative
“gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30, 13:28)	Grinding of the teeth	-Teeth are primarily used as symbols of the attempted consumption of ill-gotten gain, taken by force from the powerless15 -Description of hell, the place of judgment reserved for those who do not enter the kingdom. OT and NT pictures merge: the wicked, who have gnashed their teeth in anger all their lives, will continue to do so, in hell.
“The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.” (Rev 6:12-14)	-Scene of final dissolution of the cosmos. Often times this leads many to believe that the breakup of the earth as part of a long-drawn-out tribulation period. -“The first heaven and the first earth pass away” (Rev 21:2) could suggest that this passage is literal.	-Denotes temporal judgment or the last judgment. Through OT examples of the defeat of Babylon (Isa. 13:10-13, Edom (Isa. 34:4), Egypt (Ezek. 32:6-8), Israel’s enemies (Hab. 3:6-11), and Israel itself (Joel 2:10, 30-31), refer to the historical end of a sinful nation’s existence through diving judgment, where God conducts holy war. -Reference to “stars”, “mountains”, and “islands” as symbols of human or divine powers in the LXX, Jewish writings, and the Apocalypse itself.
“The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. (Rev. 8:7) “Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her” (Rev 18:8)	Literal fire, literal burning	-The word “fire” is a metaphorical portrayal of a judgment by famine. Fire is also used figuratively in 4:5, 1:14, 2:18, 10:1, 19:12). The parts of the earth affected are associated with food supplies, which is clear in Exod. 9:25, 31-32. Similar reference in Rev. 6:6. Ezekial 5 concludes the prediction of coming judgment with an emphasis on famine.
“The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea.” (Rev. 8:8)	A volcano eruption or some other natural phenomenon occurring in the first century or predicted for later.	-Catastrophes inspired by OT literary models that provide figurative perspective. -OT reference to Jeremiah 51: the burning mountain is the object of God’s judgment of a wicked kingdom.
“The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water—the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.” (Rev. 8:10-11)	-Rivers and springs of water were affected similarly to Exodus 7:9 and Psalm 78:44. -“Wormwood” is a bitter herb, and water contaminated by it can be poisonous if drunk over a long period.	-Continual theme of fire as a famine. -Biblical theme of “stars” representing angelic beings can lead us to believe this star is Babylon’s representative angel alluding to Isaiah 14:12-15. -The word “wormwood” is used in Jeremiah as metaphors for the bitterness of suffering resulting from judgment.
“The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. Their hair was like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon” (Rev. 9:7-11)	-Insect species of the order Orthoptera, family Acrididae. In the Middle East the locust periodically multiplies to astronomical numbers. As the swarm moves across the land, it devours all vegetation, high and low.16 -Similar to the plague in Exodus 10:12 against Egypt.	-“Hair”: antenna -“Teeth”(Joel 1:6): destructive effect of their mouths “breastplates of iron” (Job 39:19-20): scales on thorax -Comparison of locusts’ face to those of humans with crowns on their heads evokes their demonic nature.

¹⁷

God’s unending punishment of sinners beyond this life is known as eternal punishment. The bible teaches us that unrepentant, unforgiven sinners will be punished (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 10:15; John 5:28-29; Rom. 5:12-21)¹⁸. Punishment, as discussed above, is the consequence of a crime or wrong-doing. The punishment here in Revelation is God’s justice to a nation that has rejected Him. However, the punishments revealed in Revelation have somewhat of a redemption purpose. It is not to accomplish actual repentance among the majority. Rather, the theological purpose is that God, by providing sufficient opportunities for spiritual reform, should demonstrate his sufficient opportunities for spiritual reform, should demonstrate his sovereignty and especially his justice in finally judging the entire host of “unsealed” people at the seventh trumpet.¹⁹

Degrees

Everyone who receives salvation by God’s grace, through faith, based on Christ’s redemptive work (Holloman, 477) also receives an eternal life as a gift. However, Alden Bass writes, “It is equally important to realize that every saint will be rewarded according to his deeds.” Matthew wrote in 16:27: “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds.”

In regards to degrees of punishments, Paul wrote in Romans 2:5-6: “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds.” The key phrase in both passages is “according to his deeds.” Here lies the sense of one’s own responsibilities for the outcome, whether rewards or punishments.

In order to discuss degrees of rewards and punishments any further, we need to define the term “degrees”. Here is a definition by Laverne Wesley Hofer: “The term degree as relating to reward and punishment does not have reference to the length or time of duration, but rather to the intensity of the individual’s experience.” (Hofer, 2) The intensity of eschatological rewards and punishments differ according to individual’s deeds.

Rewards and Responsibilities

Degrees of rewards are closely related to responsibilities. Bass points to the parable of pounds in Luke 19:11-27 to explain their relationship.

A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called ten servants of his, and gave them each ten pounds, and said unto them, “Trade ye herewith till I come.” But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, “We will not that this man reign over us.” And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. And the first came before him, saying, “Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.” And he said unto him, “Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” And the second came, saying, “Thy pound, Lord, hath made five pounds.” And he said unto him also, “Be thou also over five cities.” And another came, saying, “Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin: for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that which thou layedst not down, and reapest that which thou didst not sow.” He saith unto him, “Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up that which I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow; then wherefore gavest thou not my money into the bank, and I at my coming should have required it with interest?” And he said unto them that stood by, “Take from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.” And they said unto him, “Lord, he hath ten pounds.” I say unto you, that unto every one that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him.

All ten servants had been given a responsibility, to do business with the given pound. Some were faithful to the given responsibility, and their works produced fruit according to time and effort invested, or according to their deeds. Interestingly, the servants were rewarded based on the fruit of their labor and not on their efforts. In other words, those who worked harder and more received a larger reward, because they had produced more fruit. On the other hand, one servant had not produced any fruit, because he did not work at all. This servant did not receive any reward, and what he already had was taken away from him. Bible clearly teaches us that believers cannot earn salvation. However, Jesus gave us a command: “We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) He has given us the responsibility to work, and He promises to reward those who are faithful to His command according to their deeds.

Responsibilities and Abilities

Responsibilities are also closely related to individuals’ abilities and gifts. Therefore rewards are closely related to abilities and gifts. The parable of talents found Matthew 25:14-29, one that is similar to the parable of the pounds, illustrates the point.

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. “But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. ‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. ‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. ‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.

From this parable, it is clear to see that degrees of responsibilities exist among believers, according to their spiritual gifts and abilities. Because rewards depend on the fruit of the labor, rewards ultimately depend on individuals’ gifts and abilities. For example, some believers are entrusted with more on earth because they are better stewards than others. Some pastors are entrusted with more sheep because they have greater spiritual gift of pasturing. These spiritual gifts are God-given, which means God entrusts some with more responsibilities than He does with others, according to the spiritual gifts that He had given. People with greater responsibilities receive greater rewards upon their completion of the given task.

One may argue against God’s partiality in His judgment of rewards. How can a God of justice show partiality among believers, and how can God judge, based on His own partiality? One must remember that God’s justice does not equate impartiality. There is justice in God’s choosing of Abraham. There is justice in God’s choosing of Israel. God favored Jacob over Esau before their birth. God’s justice is defined in His divine and absolute authority over all things; He does everything according to His own pleasure, and that is the justice. If one is concerned about jealousy created by differentiated rewards in heaven, he/she can always recall Professor Kirk’s illustration of a Thanksgiving dinner. You will be wholly satisfied that you would not mind skipping out on another slice of that pumpkin pie!

Degrees of Punishments

According to Holloman, Scripture teaches degrees of punishment for unbelievers (Mt 10:14-115; 11:20-24; Lk 12:47-49; Jn 19:11) (Holloman, 435). Just as rewards depend on degrees of fruit of works, punishments depend on the degrees of sin. Bass writes, “when speaking of eternal torment, the Bible mentions those who will suffer to a lesser or greater degree. And each time such a reference occurs, the punishment is proportionate to the opportunities missed.” (Bass, 92) In other words, those reject the gospel despite numerous opportunities to believe it will be punished more severely than those who had fewer or no opportunities to hear the gospel. Jesus’ rebuke on the cities of Bethsaida, Chroazin, and Capernaum on the account of disbelief even after Jesus’ teachings and miracles supports the idea.

Bass also points to the parable from Luke 12:42-48 to support the degrees of punishments.

And the Lord said, “Who, then, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. But if that servant shall say in his heart, ‘My lord delayeth his coming,’ and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful. And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more”

The punishments of the two servants are clearly differentiated in this parable; one received many stripes while the other received fewer. The first received more stripes because he disobeyed the Lord’s will which he knew, and the second received fewer stripes because he disobeyed on an account that he did not know the Lord’s will. The scripture teaches us that punishments, like rewards, have degrees according to the deeds of individuals.

Recipients

The recipients of rewards and punishments are evaluated at two different judgments, the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment, respectively. For Christians, their rewards will be based on the way they have lived their lives and the service they’ve rendered to the Lord, since becoming Christians. (Herman A. Hoyt, The End Times, 218). The apostle Paul says, “The Lord will disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God” (I Cor 4:5).

Characteristics of the Recipient

Faithful. Two characteristics that mark those who will receive rewards are faithfulness and generosity. Faithfulness is demonstrated by following Jesus, no matter the cost. Jesus said his disciples would be hated and ostracized, but they would have a great rewad for persevering (Lk. 6: 22-23). He reminded Peter that although he was leaving everything and following Christ, he would be rewarded (Matt. 19:27-28). Also, encouragement is given to those fulfilling leadership roles in the church. They are God’s under shepherds, maintaining a good example and eagerly serving according to God’s will in faithful service. They will be rewarded for their faithfulness (I Pet. 5:2-4)

Generous. Generosity was modeled by Christ at the cross.” Christ’s impoverishment for the riches of His people and His continual liberality in the supply of all needs are Jesus’ example and incentive for the measure of Christian giving” (Robert Saucy, The Church in God’s Program, 189). Christ’s giving was motivated by love. Our response is likewise motivated by love. As Paul says, “For the love of Christ compels us” to serve the Lord (II Cor 5:14). When recipients of our generosity glorify God, we see immediate rewards, but there are also future rewards, “profit which increases to your account” (Phil 4:17).

The recipient of rewards views himself as a steward or trustee. All he has - whether it is intellectual capacity, natural gifts, physical health, spiritual gifts or wealth – is a gift of God to him (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Major Bible Themes, 283). They are generous because all of life is viewed as a gift from God which is to be shared with others. The goal of their lives increasingly becomes all to God’s glory and all done in His power.

Such a high goal raises the question of how a believer can develop the above character. Galatians 3:20 speaks of being crucified with Christ and living our life in the flesh by faith in the Son of God. This same idea is set forth in John 15 as the “abiding life,” where Christ produces His fruit in us as we remain closely related to Him. Our righteous works must be the outworking of the Spirit having control in our lives. Because of the cross, Christians have the freedom “to walk in the Spirit and not according to the flesh” (Rom 8:5).

Christians will not be recipients of punishment because “There is, therefore, now no condemnation (punishment) for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 8:1). However, those who have refused God’s gift of salvation will receive punishment according to their works. “The books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their deeds” (Rev. 20:11-18). Those who do not accept Christ’s payment for their sin go “into the unquenchable fire…where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mk 9:48). Jesus spoke of unbelievers as those that will “be cast into the eternal fire” (Mt 18:8). Ultimate punishment of the unrighteous is described as “eternal destruction” (II Thes 1:9).Their final complete separation from God is called “the second death” (Rev 20:6). God will execute eternal punishment on unbelievers and Satan and his demons (Holloman, 435).

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