I Peter 1:4 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”
The other day, I talked about how believers have a “lively hope.” Knowing that Christ is your Savior and that you cannot lose your salvation energizes true believers. It is a hope that brings confidence in Christ and joy as we journey through this life – but there is more.
The Lord Jesus Christ also wants His people to know that there is an eternal inheritance waiting for them in glory. It also cannot be lost. Not only is it incapable of being lost to the believer, but once you get to Heaven there is absolutely no chance of losing it – ever.
Part of this inheritance is God Himself – that we can live with Him. This is an honor beyond comprehension. Once man was kicked out of the Garden, and now we are invited to live with Him. That’s incredible!
There also is the opportunity to enjoy special homes that He has prepared for His own (John 14:1-3). The details of this are not fully revealed in the Bible, but you can be sure it will be glorious. This also cannot be lost – it is “reserved” for you. Just think, there is no inheritance tax, death tax, and no one can ever challenge your right to it!
There is one thing, however, that can be lost. Rewards for service can be lost. II John 2:8 lets us know that rewards once gained can be lost: “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”
The book of Revelation mentions that God will one day wipe away all tears from the eyes of the saved: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Re. 21:4). These tears are likely to be tears shed for opportunities and rewards lost, and for shame that they did not serve better – as well as for loved ones that did not get saved.
Although many things that will be enjoyed in Heaven are available to every believer, Jesus taught several parables indicating that rewards must be earned. Once earned, these rewards will be there when Christ rewards His servants – if they remain faithful. These rewards are better than credit card rewards, promotions, and the best earthly rewards or positions!
How about you – are you serving Christ faithfully so that you have treasure laid up in Heaven? Are you building up your eternal estate and rewards to enlarge your future inheritance?