Christmas celebrates the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. Yet Scripture also reveals that God has prepared eternal rewards for believers who live faithfully and love Him. These rewards are gifts for born again believers who walk with Christ daily. As we celebrate Christmas, let these eternal promises anchor your heart in hope. The Bible says:
“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 3:12-15
Born again believers will weigh in at the judgment seat of Christ—not for salvation but for service. The quality, sincerity, and motive behind their works will be judged. What is done for Christ with pure motives will endure like gold, while works done for recognition will burn like straw. God sees every motive and will evaluate all deeds by His righteous standard—not ours. Some believers will enter heaven richly rewarded, while others will enter with nothing to show for the life Christ gave them. Isn’t it exciting that every sacrifice—no matter how small—will be honored in eternity?
What follows are a few of the greatest rewards:
- We will enter in the JOY of our Lord
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” Matthew 25:21
This may be the believer’s supreme reward—to be invited into God’s joy. Think of all that gives you joy and imagine it magnified to the fullest extent possible. Christ’s joy is greater than anything we experience here on earth because it is pure and undarkened by the sin of this world. This invitation into the Lord’s joy is deeper than happiness—it is shared delight with Christ, whose love is unparalleled in our experiences of love. One day, the Savior born in Bethlehem will look into the eyes of His faithful servants and say, “Well done”—and that moment alone will be worth every sacrifice made in His name.
- Our life will be a LIGHT for eternity
“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
Can you imagine YOUR life being remembered and celebrated for eternity? Is there any person YOU remember and celebrate who lived even 100 years ago? Ah, but this reward of a unique, eternal radiance is granted to those who lead others to truth—whether through teaching, witnessing, discipling, or daily example. This brightness is visible and everlasting, reflecting the eternal significance of leading others to Christ and discipleship. This is God’s prosperity! It’s not temporal earthly applause, but rather the eternal impact of guiding hearts toward salvation and divine purpose. A life lived for God’s glory will be magnified in the souls that celebrate with us in eternity.
- Jesus, Himself will give us rewards.
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” ~Jesus (Revelation 22:12)
This verse seems to suggest that Jesus will personally bestow His rewards. It seems Jesus is excited to honor His faithful children. I love giving gifts to those I love—don’t you? If I, in my imperfection, love to give gifts—I cannot imagine how much greater this excitement is in Jesus. (He created excitement.) He weighs our works by His righteous and omniscient standard—remembering every act done in His name. This implies individualized, personal evaluation. What we do for Jesus today will be remembered forever.
- We will REIGN with Christ.
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21
This is one of God’s most staggering rewards—that believers who remain faithful will share in Christ’s authority and victory. This is the intimate fellowship and royal honor of being part of an inner ring. It is far beyond human comprehension. It is participation in Christ’s kingdom rule. Believers who are faithful—reign because Christ reigns. They were victorious on earth by the same power He was. This inner ring is for the faithful warriors who waged spiritual warfare. What an honor beyond imagination!
- We have the inheritance of the saints.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
Salvation is a free gift. Our eternal life is guaranteed. But our inheritance is measured by our faithfulness. What do we do with the gift? My friend, you don’t have to be Billy Graham to have a great inheritance! Billy Graham was born again because Albert McMakin, a 24-year-old farmer who had recently trusted Christ, invited him to a revival, drove him there, and kept encouraging him to return. I imagine Albert has an eternal inheritance that is blowing his mind right now! And his inheritance is still multiplying in the lives affected by Graham’s continued ministry. When we invest in people—our inheritance is full, overflowing, multiplying, and guaranteed—because it is promised by Jesus.
Summary:
My friend, our eternal rewards—joy in Christ’s approval, shining glory, partnership in His kingdom, inheritance in His presence, and eternal honor for faithful work—are gifts purchased entirely by the Savior we celebrate.
The eternal gifts are ours for the taking when we fully surrender every area of our life to Christ!
But Scripture reveals something else beautiful: five distinct crowns that Jesus gives His faithful followers. In the next devotional of this Christmas series, we will see how the Bible reveals each of these crowns and the eternal rewards they represent.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the eternal rewards You promise to those who love and follow You. Thank You for seeing every act of obedience, every sacrifice, every quiet moment of faithfulness. As we celebrate the birth of Your Son, fix our hearts on the glorious future He has prepared for us. Make us wise, faithful, steadfast, and joyful servants who long for Your appearing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
