And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)

There appear to be some misconceptions concerning the giving of rewards under the new covenant. Consider, if you will, the two seemingly inconsistent statements in the above verses.

In Romans, Chapter Four Paul seems to be saying if we do nothing except believe in Christ, God will reward us because of our belief. If we do anything about our salvation, God then owes us something and this interferes with His grace.

In Revelation, Chapter 22, however, John informs us that Christ shall reward men according to their works. The two passages appear to be in opposition. Romans seems to state righteous works interfere with the grace of God while Revelation maintains there is a reward for righteous works.

The seeming clash between Paul and John is caused by the fact that they are referring to two different aspects of salvation. In Romans, Chapter Four Paul is declaring works of the Law of Moses are not the way to obtain the righteousness of God.

Paul presents Christ as the answer to our need for right standing with God. If a man "works," if he attempts to gain God's favor by keeping the laws and ordinances of the old covenant, he is avoiding the cross of Christ.

Through keeping the Law of Moses, he hopes to earn the reward of God's approval on his life. Therefore, a righteousness that comes by faith in God's Lamb is not necessary. He has gained the reward by blameless observance of the Law and the Levitical ordinances. God owes salvation to the observant individual because he has earned it by his efforts.

God no longer will accept this approach!

We cannot earn salvation by performing righteous works. But true salvation always produces righteous works. Where righteousness is not being developed, where moral transformation is not taking place, no Divine redemption is occurring.

Revelation 22:12 is not referring to the strict observance of the Levitical statutes and ordinances as the work that earns the reward from Christ. Rather, the "work" of Revelation is referring to the type of Christian faithfulness of which Christ speaks so highly in Revelation, Chapters Two and Three.

For example: "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first" (Revelation 2:19). The works mentioned here have nothing to do with the observance of the Levitical statutes—that to which Paul was referring in Romans 4:4. Paul is speaking of our reward, in II Corinthians, Chapter Five—a surpassingly marvelous reward at that! Our mortal body will be clothed with a body of resurrection life. We shall reign with Christ from His throne at the right hand of the Almighty (Revelation 3:21). We shall inherit the "all things" of Revelation 21:7.

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward. (I Corinthians 3:14)

To be continued.