Question:  Dear Greg,

            In answer to a question about date speculations and numerology, you said “We will all stand before his judgment seat to give account, and each of us must take care as we minister in his name”.  Does this mean that you feel the type of existence we will have with God in eternity will be affected by this judgment of accountability?  Do you have any specific ideas as to what these effects might be?

            Don

Answer:  Dear Don,

            The Bible makes this plain—salvation is by grace.  Period.  The Bible also mentions that there is a “reward” in addition, as well as—and that the “rewards” can differ.  David said, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Psalm 84:10).  The parables of the talents and pounds speak of reward (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:11-27).  Paul speaks of differing degrees of the splendor of heavenly bodies that God has created (! Corinthians 15:41).  His context is the resurrection of the dead (verse 42)—so that he is speaking of those who are saved by God’s grace being given a reward that differs.

            While the Bible talks about this “reward”, we should be careful not to co-mingle this idea with salvation by grace.  We are saved because of Christ’s righteousness, not our own.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht