What we do with our lives matters. Every moment matters more than we can even imagine. That's what John Burke writes in his book, Imagine Heaven. He says we should live every day with eternity in mind.
While most of the people in the book who described their near-death experience said they didn't feel condemned or judged when they "visited" heaven, many of them reported seeing lots of books in heaven. Lots and lots of books that record our words and actions while on earth.
The Bible describes two judgments in heaven. The white throne judgment is a judgment of faith and determines who belongs to God. Anyone whose name isn't found in the Book of Life will be thrown into hell.
Burke explains that the other judgment is called the bema seat judgment and is where God will reward us for things we did for Him in our earthly life. The word judgment is translated from the Greek word bema and refers to the judge's seat at the ancient games. It's like the Olympic judge's stand, Burke says. He likens it to a giant awards ceremony, such as the Oscars.
While everyone in heaven will experience the bliss of an eternal home with God, there will be levels of rewards. God loves to reward every faithful deed. We don't earn God's love or acceptance into heaven -- that's a gift that we receive or reject. But our faithfulness to God in this life determines our experience in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-20 tells us, "Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven."
I don't know what kind of rewards we'll receive. We always hear about earning another jewel in your crown. I think the rewards will be something more substantial. If God blesses us with so many good things in this life, I can only imagine what He has in store for us in heaven!
The greatest reward of all will be being with Jesus. We'll be in His presence forever. Nothing can compare with that!
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