IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SALVATION AND REWARD?
By Charles F. Wilcox
EVERY believer in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ feels a deep interest in the salvation of his soul, and looks forward with longing anticipations to the time when just rewards shall be given. Many questions arise touching the theme of salvation; and since some truths unfold slowly it is not to be wondered at that there are yet points from which a steadier light should be desired. One of these points is the relation, or rather the difference between salvation and reward. Many look forward to the coming of Christ for their salvation. There is a salvation for the present, and there is also a salvation to be revealed when Christ shall appear in the glory of the Father with all the shining hosts of heaven. That salvation saves man from all woe and temptation. It gives him a place among the dwellers in light, where care and anxiety can never come. It is the placing of the promised reward in his own possession, and forever separating him from everything pertaining to the dominion of Satan. But the present salvation is of greater moment to us now, for it prepares us for the inheritance to be revealed when Christ comes. If the present salvation is neglected, we shall not be prepared to receive the other; hence its greater importance at this time. We may consider this subject under two distinct statements:—- Salvation is wholly of faith.
- Reward is wholly of works.
There is a difference between salvation and reward, and the distinction must be understood, or one will be confused about justification by faith without works. The Bible has much to say about works, and many conclude that works are required to insure salvation, whereas they are not, but rather are the result of the salvation of God received. Man lost life and immortality through sin. It is on this account that he needs the benefits offered in God's plan of salvation. Life and immortality are again brought to light through the gospel; for the gospel says to the sinner, "You stand accepted in the Beloved; salvation is yours if you will receive it; listen to the good report from heaven, and let the living word operate in your soul." This means more than to simply listen to the gospel plan of redemption. It is more than to remember meager outlines of the story of the cross. The gospel presents facts, and these facts are to be received and held as great riches. The facts presented in God's word are based upon eternal principles, and these principles must be received in their fullness. The mighty principles underlying God's eternal purpose are broad, and deep, and full. The human mind may be exerted to its utmost to grasp them, and yet there will ever remain unexplored fields of wisdom. When the theme of salvation is received in faith, and held in truth, it is all-absorbing, supplanting all desires for pleasures of this present life. The soul that is born from above is filled with a constant delight and joy, and amid the busy whirl of the world it knows a "joy unspeakable and full of glory." The sorrows and disappointments of earth cannot disturb the hope that is born of faith; it triumphs over every obstacle, and glories in tribulation. Faith is the victory that surmounts sin and all its evil consequences. It rests alone on the word of God; and to him who stands in the word of God, its fullness and power will be revealed according to the good pleasure and wisdom of the Author of that word. Salvation is of faith "to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed." "If they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect." Christ performed all the works required by the law, for the salvation of the whole world. In his keeping of the law was wrought the righteousness of God, and this is imputed to all who will accept it as a gift from God. Righteousness is a free gift. "For as by one man's [Adam's] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Christ] shall many be made righteous." "They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." The gift of righteousness prepares one to be an heir of salvation. It can only be received by faith; and being obtained through faith, it is to be kept by faith. God "hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." All who receive this "lively hope" have "reserved in heaven" "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." There will be a remnant waiting for Christ when he comes, "who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." God makes the promises, and it is for man to accept them. A promise of God is a fact, and when man accepts a promise, it becomes a fact to the one who receives it. The act of accepting the promise of God is an act of faith. Man can only have a "lively," or living hope, in that which God promised; and a promise can only be received and held by the mind and heart, or by faith. Battle Creek, Mich.
(Concluded next week.)