As we studied our series on the harpazo, the day the dead rise up and the living are seized off the earth, we noticed that there would be a point when the saints will be given rewards. We also noted that our works have to go through a fire apocalypse. We want to look at what things may withstand the fire and what things may not. We also want to explore the ideas of certain things being weighed and balanced, such as mercy, forgiveness, and Judgment. We see that we may have been misled into thinking we are living the correct way when in fact we are living the opposite of what the Father suggests. This infers that we can be deceived and defrauded out of our rewards. We will explore this idea so that we can receive a full reward.
In case a reader has not read the past series, let’s quickly review. There are four groups of people who rose up from the dead or were seized off the earth that are now standing before the Lord ready to receive rewards. This is during the midpoint of the tribulation when Jesus is crowned and the announcement is made that the kingdoms of the world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and Christ, and that He shall reign forever.
Revelation 11:18 (KJV)
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Under the umbrella of the redeemed, everyone falls into one of these categories. The four categories for being rewarded are those who were servants, those who were prophets, those who were the holy, and those who were reverent on the earth. This includes all the micro’s and all the mega’s, the small and the great. This is to determine who will come back with Jesus to destroy those who have destroyed the earth. Jesus himself warns us that he is coming to give rewards.
Revelation 22:12 (KJV)
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
The word for “work”, ergon, also means labor, action, and deeds. Jesus is ready to reward those who are serving Him, speak for Him, are holy before Him, and who fear Him. A reward is a misthos, a payment for serving. Paul tells us that there is a payment for planting and watering because planting and watering is done as toil or labor.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (KJV)
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
This idea of labour is something that reduces strength. Manual labor reduces strength. Running a marathon reduces strength. This is what we are rewarded for. Not that we lost strength, but that we used our strength until we had little strength left.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (KJV)
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Our actions, deeds, and works will be revealed and tried by fire; and whatever is left we will be rewarded for. However, if someone’s works and labors are all burnt up that person will still have salvation, but no rewards. Now that we understand this, we can explore what things we may receive rewards for.
The idea of a reward in the Old Covenant is mainly used in the negative, as in a reward for evil people or the proud. The evil will receive a bad wage for their bad behaviors. Paul tells us that if he preaches the gospel repeatedly, habitually, and/or voluntarily, he will have a reward.
1 Corinthians 9:16-18 (KJV)
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
If Paul does this unwillingly, it is like he is hired to do this, it is a stewardship of faith, or a job of belief. It becomes employment, rather than voluntary. Then what is his reward? This question should have completed verse 17, instead of starting verse 18. If we serve as if we have to, or as if we will not be saved, then we are mistaken. If we serve because we want to, we will be rewarded. There are days and times we may be unwilling to evangelize. There may be days we cannot wait to evangelize. The context is payment for preaching, and Paul says by not misusing his exousia, authority, the gospel is evangelized for free. In other words, Paul is not charging a fee to hear about the gospel, but in context, he will accept donations. But the point to look at here is whether he does his preaching and evangelizing willingly or unwillingly. This is the key for a reward.
Sometimes volunteer groups put heavy demands on their volunteers. It becomes a labor or employment. Some people have even suggested everyone has to “work for the Lord”. But if we work for the Lord by force or manipulation, then we are not rewarded. If we volunteer because we want to, we will be rewarded. When our volunteering becomes labor and we don’t want to do it, then we should reconsider our position. Paul helps us understand this in his letter to the Church at Colossae.
Colossians 3:23-25 (KJV)
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Paul says to work from the soul, or ‘with your very breath be engaged’ in what you do for the Lord. If you do, you will receive the reward of the inheritance for being a douleuō, a servant. Jesus tell us that where our treasure is that is where our heart is. We store treasures in heaven when we work, being engaged with our very breath for the Lord. When do servants receive a reward? When Jesus is crowned and he hands out rewards at the bēma. Interestingly, working from our soul can change our attitude from unwilling to willing.
2 John 1:8 (KJV)
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
John is speaking about walking in love and many deluded ones in the world do not believe that Jesus came in the flesh. Remember the hinge point that Paul gave us, that to be redeemed we must believe that Jesus died and rose up. John is saying that anyone who does not profess this is an antichrist because that one violates the teachings of Christ. There are no antichrists who are in the family of the Almighty, Most High, Eternal, Father. Therefore, John warns us to keep ourselves in check so that we do not destroy or lose what we worked for, but that we will receive in full a perfectly complete reward. John’s warning helps us to understand that if we are misled by antichrists, if we stop walking in love, we will not receive a complete reward. John suggests that if an antichrist person comes to your home with their antichrist teachings, not to receive them. Do not rejoice and be glad that they came to your home so as not to participate with their evil works.
Jesus adds to this understanding of receiving rewards. Jesus is explaining that if one puts their family member over, him, that one is not deserving of him. Instead we all should take our cross and follow Him. He then says that the one receiving or accepting us, accepts Him, and also accepts the Father who sent Him.
Matthew 10:40-42 (KJV)
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Whoever accepts a prophet by character or reputation will lay hold of a prophets’ wage. Also one accepting a just or holy one by character or reputation will lay hold of a just or holy ones’ wage. Both the prophet and the holy ones are rewarded at the bēma, therefore one who is redeemed and accepts a prophet or holy one, is rewarded also. And if someone gives a cold drink to a micron, a “small one”, by character or reputation of a disciple, truthfully that one will not destroy or lose his wages. Again, just as in Revelation 11, we have the microns, the small ones. It is interesting that we have the prophets, the holy, and the small, mentioned among rewards and wages by Jesus.
Disciples are ones who are learners or who are learning. Jesus teaches the disciples of taking up their cross and following him a short time after this. In the context, Jesus is talking about the Father revealing to Peter that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus says this rock, this knowledge, is what he will build his church on. The rock is the solid footing of Jesus the Messiah. The gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Then Jesus tells the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Messiah. That certainly seems strange. Jesus then says he has to go to Jerusalem and be killed and that he will rise up on the third day. This is the hinge point that Paul tells us about regarding redemption, the rising up, and the seizing. Peter says this shouldn’t happen, and Jesus rebukes Peter. Jesus then says that if anyone wants to be a disciple, a learner, that one must take up their cross and follow Him. Jesus asks what profit is there if one gains the whole world but loses his soul. He explains that he, Jesus will come and reward people according to their works.
Matthew 16:24-28 (KJV)
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 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.
28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Jesus then says something that bothers many people. He says that there are some standing there, at that time, which would not experience or eat death until the time that they see and know and perceive with their eyes Jesus coming or returning in royalty or dominion. What did Jesus say? That people would not taste, eat, or experience death because they would perceive Jesus is the Messiah, and they would see and know that he is returning in sovereignty.
Anyone who was hanging around Jesus, who died after Jesus rose up, and who believed that he is the Messiah, would not taste, eat, or experience, death, they would go to Paradise, not death or hades. After Jesus took back the keys to hades and death, no one who perceives him coming as King, would go to death or hades. They experienced him rising up the third day because they were there. They were disciples, they were learners. Remember the context? Peter says that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus says don’t tell anyone. Then Jesus says that he is going to die in Jerusalem and rise up the third day. Therefore, there are people among them, at that time, who know Jesus, they will hear about his rising up and know that he is the Messiah, and instead of experiencing death would go to Paradise. They will wait in Paradise until they rise up and go to heaven along with those seized off the earth. They will await the rewards ceremony, the bēma, have their works tried by fire, and then receive their rewards.
When Jesus was teaching his sermon on the mount, talking about those who are blessed, he mentioned that those who are persecuted will have a great reward in heaven.
Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV)
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
What does this tell us? Enduring persecution earns us rewards, just like accepting prophets, righteous holy ones, and small ones. Another thing Jesus tells us about is charity, prayer, and fasting.
Matthew 6:1 (KJV)
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
If you are giving money or charity, do it secretly. Don’t let others know how you give, or when you give, or what you give. Don’t let others know you are giving. The Father will give away or give back visibly; plainly recognized. What we understand is the Father sees us, we don’t see him but he sees us. Praying is also rewarded openly.
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
The Father knows what we need even before we do. When we pray, if we make a big show of our prayers, then we have our rewards. We have the acknowledgement from men that we prayed. However, if we pray in secret, when no one sees us or hears us, the Father will manifest what is due. He will give us what we need, in plain sight. Go to the closet, pray to the Father and he will reward us.
Jesus then tells us how to pray. He gives us all the aspects of what we need in this simple prayer we probably all memorized as children. We studied this prayer a few weeks ago. Now he tells us about fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18 (KJV)
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
If you are going to fast, don’t tell anyone. Don’t make a show about it. Don’t act like you are dying. Simply fast. Then the Father will give back visibly. The Father will reward or recompense us for giving in secret, praying in secret, and fasting in secret. This seems to tell us that we are to have a secret relationship with the Father. Then notice what Jesus says.
Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Jesus just explained how we are to lay up treasures in heaven. Do things in secret. The idea of storing up treasure is amassing and accumulating riches, thēsauros, wealth. Where is this place of accumulating treasure? The place of safe keeping? Heaven. When do we get to heaven? After the rising up and the seizing off the earth. When we go to the presentation ceremony of the fire apocalypse, we will see our works of service as we are on the platform of the bēma. What Jesus is telling us is that there is a storehouse in heaven for our treasures. When we get there, our storehouse will be presented before everyone. This is where our heart is, our inner life, and intentions. As Paul suggested, work heartily unto the Lord. We see the connection of living a humble life, not being showy or prideful, but doing things like charity, praying, or fasting on the down low.
This next section tells us something significant. We are to live the opposite way that we have been living. We are to do things completely differently. Someone has tricked us into living completely backwards, from the established way that the Almighty Father would have us live. Jesus tells us about forgiveness. He stresses that if we forgive, then the Father will forgive us. What does that mean?
Matthew 6:12 (KJV)
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
There is a key here. Think of a balance scale. If one side of the scale is filled with people who treated us poorly, the other side should be balanced as to how many people we forgive. If the scale is not balanced because we have unforgiveness, then we are not going to be forgiven to the degree that the scale remains unbalanced. Have we lived this way? Or do we harbor unforgiveness because we think somehow by our forgiveness, the other person’s sins are erased?
Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This is our responsibility. We need to forgive. Forgiving does not mean that we forget. It does not mean that we have to have a relationship with an abusive person. It does not mean we allow ourselves to be harmed again. It simply means we forgive their debt to us and let the Father require the payment of their debt from them, just as he requires payment for our debt. As Jesus told us, we may have to forgive one person 490 times, but this is a matter of trust in our heavenly Father, as he sees all and he knows all. We do not. But doesn’t our society tell us that it is alright not to forgive? Is it possible that the devil is trying to get us to lose our rewards? Therefore forgive.
Mercy is another area of weighing and balancing which we may not be living correctly.
Matthew 5:7 (KJV)
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mercy is pity or compassion. Those who extend pity and compassion are also shown mercy. This is divine grace.
James tells us that we are to speak and do as people who are judged by the law of freedom, eleutheria.
James 2:12-13 (KJV)
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
For the merciless person, that one will have judgment, or a tribunal, krisis, without mercy or compassion from the Father. Mercy glories or exults over judgment. In other words, mercy loudly glorifies down over judgment. If there is mercy in our lives on behalf of others, there will be mercy calling down glory over our judgment.
We are encouraged to hold bitterness, rage, anger, and malice, in our hearts against those we do not like or have been mistreated by. Instead the opposite is far more glorious. It is far more desirable to extend mercy for our own benefit.
This is a great visual picture. We stand before the Lord and are judged for all we have done, but if we have been merciful and compassionate, mercy calls down over the judgment. Waves and waves of mercy cover over all our misdeeds. It is as if there is a smoldering fire of judgment on us, mercy blankets us, putting out the fire. Mercy sings glory over our sins.
Why does Jesus quote Hosea suggesting that the Living Father would rather have mercy and not sacrifices?
Matthew 9:13 (KJV)
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Matthew 12:7 (KJV)
7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Hosea 6:6 (KJV)
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6 G1360 For G1656 mercy G2309 I want, G2532 and G3756 not G2378 sacrifice; G2532 and G1922 full knowledge G2316 of God G3123 rather than G3646 whole burnt-offerings.
The idea of sacrifices covering sins gives people the idea that they can sin and simply offer a sacrifice to be forgiven. Rather, our Eternal Father does not want sacrifices, he’d rather have people come to the knowledge of Him so that they won’t want to sin, and then if there is something that people need forgiveness for, God can show His mercy. Mercy glorying over judgment. Mercy calls down over judgment.
Mercy is better than judgment. Sacrifice is man’s way of absolving himself of sin. Mercy is the Father’s way of absolving man of his sin. Which is better? Man’s way or the Almighty Heavenly Fathers way? Is it possible that the god of this world created a backwards system that we seem to follow because we think it is correct when it is not? Such as not extending mercy to others because we think we are owed something. Or not forgiving others because we think our forgiveness absolves others of their sins. These ideas are backwards, they are the opposite of God’s ways.
Jesus also tells us not to judge others.
Matthew 7:1-3 (KJV)
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
The measuring rod that we should use to judge others is the same measuring rod which will be used on us. It is by our own hand that we judge ourselves. We set the parameters of our own judgment by judging others. If we live the way that the Father would like us to live we would not judge others, but look within ourselves to determine if we are well pleasing to the Father.
Here again we have a backwards system that we follow today. We judge everyone around us and we compare ourselves to others. We decide if we are a better or worse person than others by our own judgment. This is the measure that we are told to use every day, all day long. How “good” we are is not determined by anyone else but Jesus. Because of Jesus we are righteous. Because of Jesus we are holy. Because of Jesus our sins are cleansed. Jesus warns us of our words, as we will give an account of each word on the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Every argos rhēma, every useless utterance, laleō , spoken is apodidōmi, given back in the day of judgment. Everything spoken is “pay off” or “return away”. Jesus seems to encompass several ideas of speaking. It seems like we are being recorded, yet we live like our Heavenly Father doesn’t hear us. By our logos we will be shown innocent or pronounced guilty. We don’t think of each word spoken as important, but really, is there anything hidden from the Father? Once again we are living the opposite way that we should. We have been fooled into thinking that we can say whatever we want, when in fact the god of this world knows full well our every word is recorded and we will be judged accordingly. If the devil can’t subvert our salvation, he will try to subvert our rewards.
Paul tells us about what Jesus’ sacrifice for us did to free us. He says not to let others judge us, and not to let others trick us out of our rewards.
Colossians 2:13-20 (KJV)
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
This tells us that there are no charges leveled against the sons and daughters of the Almighty, Most High, Eternal Father. But there are principalities and powers who would like nothing more than to see us fail. They will inspire evil in the hearts and minds of the Jesus rejecters. The demonic spiritual beings will influence people to criticize the child of the Living God, judging and condemning the Father’s children. Paul tells us not to let anyone katabrabeuō , defraud or judge against our due reward. It is the idea of a downward governing or rule that one becomes humble to. In other words someone tries to become another’s over ruler, pushing wrong doctrines such as worshipping angels which will cause that one to be defrauded of his/her rewards. The child of the Living God may voluntarily humble themselves under a false overlord who will mislead the child of God into losing their rewards. If someone can trick another out of rewards, would it be safe to say that the evil spiritual beings are behind it? Paul tells us to remember that we are not subject to the “rules” of the evil spiritual world.
Luke records Jesus combining all three ideas that are weighed and balanced.
Luke 6:36-37 (KJV)
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Paul reminds us that we will all give account and all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We can lose our rewards and we can be defrauded out of our rewards. Paul reminds us not to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Romans 14:10-13 (KJV)
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Proskomma is an obstacle, a stumblingblock. It is also an occasion of apostasy. Sometimes we push an agenda over our brothers and sisters that the Lord has not called them to. We may think that because we are called to something, then everyone is called to that same thing. This can be an occasion of apostasy. The Lord didn’t call everyone to do the same things, he called people to do different things for Him. Sometimes our religious doctrines cause us obstacles. We may put those doctrinal obstacles in front of others. We will all stand before Jesus. We are going to give an account, logos, as to what we have said.
What we see is that we have some responsibility in how we behave, as to what we will receive from the Lord on our day at the bēma. The three main things for us to focus on are judgment, mercy, and forgiveness. Solomon recorded some ideas regarding rewards for the righteous. The righteous live forever and their reward is with the Lord.
Wisdom of Solomon 5:15 But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High. 16 Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them. http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/Wisdom/index.htm
As far back as Solomon’s time we see people understood that the righteous would receive a glorious kingdom and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand. People understood that there would be something received for righteousness. Notice what Solomon says next.
Wisdom 5:17 He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies. 18 He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true judgment instead of an helmet. 19 He shall take holiness for an invincible shield. 20 His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with him against the unwise.
Because the Lord loves his people, he will fight for, and arm, His people. His righteous saints will become a weapon against the enemies. This includes the fallen angels, demons, the satan, and the devil. When was the last time we were told we are a weapon for the Lord? The world will fight with the Lord against the unwise and ungodly. When will this be? At the end of the tribulation when the Lord comes back to the earth with His army of the called, chosen, and faithful. We can understand why people influenced by the devil buried The Wisdom of Solomon. Part of our reward is to fight against the evil fallen beings. John explains it in Revelation. Knowing that rewards determine whether we enter the army of the Lord, his Bride, as we saw last week, gives us motivation for righteous living.
We receive rewards for things that we do, such as receiving a prophet, or giving cold water to someone. We also see that we receive rewards for charity, praying, and fasting, in secret. We store up our treasures in heaven. We also receive more rewards if we extend forgiveness, and mercy, and do not judge others. If we have been merciful, mercy will cover over our own Judgment. The evil fallen spiritual beings will attempt to defraud us from receiving a full reward. The only thing the devil can do to hurt a believer who is redeemed, is to fool them into losing their own rewards. The evil beings set out to twist society into believing and doing the opposite that the Heavenly Father suggests for us to do. We have to be smart enough to know and do the Fathers will. If we realize this, we can be consciously aware of our actions, our reactions, and our rewards. And just as John and Solomon tell us, we are weapons of the Lord. We are the ones who come back with Jesus at the end of the age to wage war on the unrighteous and ungodly. The chosen are the army of the Lord who have been chosen based on their rewards.
