REWARD IN HEAVEN by R. F. C.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 24, 1856

REWARD IN HEAVEN.

By R. F. C.

WHEN a popular error is discovered, it is generally the case, that some, in their zeal to oppose it, will go beyond the truth, and take an extreme position equally erroneous. An example of this may be seen in the immortality question. It has been clearly proved from the Bible, that man has no inherent immortality, and that the punishment of the wicked will be the second death. But some are not contented to let the matter rest here. In their zeal to oppose the horrible doctrine of endless torments in the flames of hell, and to vindicate the merciful character of God, they have taken the ground that, since death is the penalty of sin, when the wicked are once dead they will have no resurrection. Thus denying the plain Bible doctrine of the second life and the second death.

The tendency of the human mind thus to settle upon extremes, has discovered itself in relation to the subject of the reward of the righteous. The inheritance of the saints is the renovated earth. The kingdom and the dominion under the whole heaven is promised to them, for an everlasting possession; and the idea of going to heaven at death, is proved from the Scriptures to be utterly fallacious. This light having been seen, some have been ready to assert most positively, that the saints have no promise of going to heaven, even after the resurrection, nor of any part of their reward away from the earth.

But our blessed Saviour has promised his persecuted followers a reward in heaven. Rejoice, said he, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven. Matt. v, 12. What does he mean by heaven? The place where the Father dwells. For, in verse 16, he adds, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. And when he was about to leave his disciples in the world, and go to the Father, he said to Peter, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Jno. xiii, 36. And is Peter the only one that can claim this promise? By no means. He has a word of comfort for all his sorrowing disciples. Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are MANY mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; (Campbell—take you with me;) that where I am, there ye may be also.

There are many other scriptures which corroborate the testimony of these, but sufficient have been quoted to prove that the saints have the promise of going to heaven, where they will receive a great reward.

R. F. C.