What Is the Reward for True Believers?

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. (Revelation 22:3)

Today’s big question: what is the reward for true believers?

We often talk of heaven when we think about the ultimate reward for true believers, and it is easy to romanticize this subject. I have heard it described as a place where we will see our long-lost departed relatives, friends, and spouses. Some describe it as the place where there is no death or sickness and everything is perfect. There is truth in both of these statements. If our departed loved ones had saving faith in God, then they will be in heaven, and the Bible does reveal there will be no death, sin, or sickness in heaven (Revelation 21:4). 

Heaven is truly a great reward, yet thinking of being there often causes us to forget its greatest benefit. We, God’s children, will dwell with Him and serve Him forever. 

Can you imagine serving God without the distraction of sin? I can’t even pray without that distraction. Even when praying in a quiet room, I sometimes find myself distracted by the things of this world. Only by the grace of God do I refocus my attention on Him. In heaven, my gaze and love for the Lord will be pure and without distraction. I will have a perfect love for my Savior (and for everyone else who is there) because there will be no Curse. I will love Him and will serve Him in that love. He is my reward.

As we think about the Consummation, we should consider the fullness of what it is all about. God originally created a perfect world where Adam and Eve were in perfect union with Him. In the final consummation, there will be a restoration to this perfection for all eternity. Perhaps the biggest difference is that while Adam and Eve had the ability to sin in the garden, we who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ will not have any ability to sin. Our love for God and union with Him will be everlasting. We will love and serve God eternally in a place that will never be defiled (Revelation 21:27).

Today’s big idea: our reward is the Lord.

What to pray: ask the Lord to help you love and serve Him until you dwell with Him.