God’s Books of Memory
“Then those who feared Yahweh spoke one with another; and Yahweh listened, and heard, and a book of memory was written before him, for those who feared Yahweh, and who honored his name. They shall be mine,” says Yahweh of Armies, “my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him. Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who doesn’t serve him.” (Malachi 3:16-18 WEB)
Everything you do in faith is being recorded in Heaven. Even if man does not appreciate the praiseworthy things you do, God has a perfect record of your good works.
“Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10 WEB)
You will surely reap a harvest of rewards by continuing to do good. Keep persevering in it, even if people hurt you, biting the hand that feeds. Remember, you are not doing it to impress people, or to get their appreciation—you are doing it as worship unto the Lord, and He is your Rewarder.
Good works are not for determining whether you are saved or not. You are saved by Grace through faith in Jesus. It is the blood He shed that made payment for your forgiveness of sins.
A born-again believer is already a full-fledged child of God—a new creation in Christ who has passed out of death into eternal life. He cannot be condemned to Hell after being saved. His reborn spirit remains permanently righteous.
Salvation is based on what Christ has done, but rewards are based on what you have done.
““Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12 WEB)
For a born-again believer, there are no punishments or condemnation to receive at the judgment seat of Christ—at the cross, Jesus already took all the punishment for your sins.
All that is left is to measure and distribute your rewards.
The records in the Books of Memory/Remembrance shall be used to determine your rewards when you stand before Jesus’ throne for judgment.
Some things you do can cause the loss of rewards.
“I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.” (Revelation 3:11 WEB)
The church of Philadelphia was under persecution by Judaizer Jews who wanted them to deny the name of Jesus.
For those who renounce their faith, they will not lose their salvation, but they will not receive a crown.
“Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.” (James 3:1 WEB)
For those who claim to be teachers of the Gospel, if they teach falsities and heresies, causing believers to be stumbled and led astray, they will lose rewards.
Teachers have more revelation about the truths in God’s word, so when they knowingly teach or practice falsehoods, they will be held more accountable for their actions and lose out on rewards.
They cannot claim to be ignorant like many believers actually are.
How then can a believer maximize their rewards and ensure that time spent in this mortal lifetime will be truly worthwhile?
Learn more in “Sandcastles Don’t Last Forever”, a highly-relevant book in these end times. The Lord Jesus’ return is near! We need to be thinking how to use our time with an eternal-focus. Set your mind on the things above, and redeem your time wisely: http://bit.ly/sandcastlesdontlastforever
