Rewards and Losses
By Robert Macdonald
Or Salvation by grace is not inconsistent with variety of reward
Robert Macdonald (l813-1893)
It is thought by some that because persons and services find acceptance solely in Christ, and in unmerited grace, reward is thereby, in every form of it, necessarily excluded. But this is not the case, and the one great truth is in entire harmony with the other. In the parable (Matthew 20:1-16) all the labourers received the same sum at the close of the day, though some began early and others late. This, apparently, is designed to show that whatever other differences there may be, yet all who believe in Christ and rest upon him are alike forgiven, alike accepted, alike adopted, and finally saved. Without exception, all of them, whatever their time of call, the first hour or the eleventh, not only enter within the gate, but are warmly welcomed there.
But this equality in the great essentials is in no degree inconsistent with the inequality in the reward elsewhere set forth. Indeed we are expressly told (Luke 19:12-27) that if, through grace, our pound gains five pounds, then rule shall be given us over five cities; and if, through Still richer grace, our pound gains ten pounds, then rule shall be given us over ten cities. Yes, the greater the grace, fidelity, and devotedness here, the greater and brighter will be the glory hereafter.
Doubtless, after all they have done, even the holiest and best of men must yet say, and do say it, “We are unprofitable servants”; but not the less is it expressly written, “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” The world may forget the services of God’s saints, and they themselves, too, may forget them, as is evident from the questions put, “Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?” but the Lord cannot forget them, not merely because they are the blessed product of his own grace, in which He delights, but also because, in nature, purpose, and act, He is so overflowingly generous.
Even in ordinary life, after long years of faithful service, a generous master, in dealing with a trusted servant, never limits himself merely to what bare law or rigid justice might measure out, but often lovingly gives in addition very varied reward. So is it, only in an infinitely higher degree, with our blessed Lord in dealing with His servants; for in spite of all their shortcomings, He is loving and generous to them, beyond the power of words to express.
It has been said, “What better or sweeter reward can God give us than to keep us faithful, to sustain us to the end, and to shed abroad his love in our hearts?” True, this is a marvellous manifestation of grace; but if, in addition, God has been pleased to hold out further reward, in proportion as his own grace is rightly used for his glory—and this he has emphatically done—who shall say that we have not therein the highest incentive to increased and unreserved devotedness to his service? A military gentlemen once said to an excellent old minister in the north of Scotland, who was becoming infirm, “Why, if I had power over the pension list, I would actually have you put on half-pay for your long and faithful services.” He replied, “Ah, my friend, your master may put you off with half-pay, but my Master will not serve me so meanly; he will give me full pay. Through grace I expect “a full reward.”
Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.—Revelation 22:12.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.—Matthew 5:12.
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.―1 Corinthians 3:14,15.
From Day to Day. Helpful Words for the Christian Life. Daily Readings for the Year by Robert Macdonald. Copyright © The Banner of Truth Trust, 2023, available at: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/. Used with permission.