Heavenly Prize

Dear Brethren,

How can we obtain the heavenly prize that God has in store for us?  Our salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God is sometimes referred to as a prize to be sought after.  Paul said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:14)  Our prize is a great heavenly gift to be obtained.  "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that you may obtain it."  (1 Corinthians 9:24)  Our heavenly prize is retained at the heavenly throne of God.

The Bible says nowhere that the heavenly prize is eternal life in heaven – the world is mistaken in that notion.  “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you.”  (1 Peter 1:4)  The heavenly prize is salvation from this deadly world, and being made a member of the eternal family of God – as Sons of God – as Children of God.

God made physical and spiritual promises to our patriarch, Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7, 13:14-16, 15:18).  “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.”  (Genesis 22:18, Romans 4:13)  If we are called, chosen, and faithful, we will inherit that spiritual promise – the heavenly prize (Revelation 17:14).  Why?

Because, first of all, Jesus is the promised “seed,” then, because we belong to Christ, we too, are Abraham’s seed – heirs of the promise made to Abraham.  To make sure that we understand that the promise indeed applies to us, Jesus confirmed the promise He made to the patriarchs, including Abraham (Genesis 26:3, 35:12).  “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.”  (Romans 15:8)

If we are Christ’s, and we are, we have become the fleshly children of Abraham, and in baptism with the laying on of hands, God becomes our spiritual Father.  We are the "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16, Romans 8:14-17 ).   “Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.   For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

Though we are now the Children of God, we have not yet fully seen the change that is promised to come in us.   "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is."  (1 John 3:2)

The promise of the heavenly prize will not come until the return of Jesus Christ.  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all of the faithful saints of Hebrews 11 have not yet received the promised inheritance.   “These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” (Hebrews 11:39) The heavenly prize will be received at the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:8)  Jesus said, "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me."  (Revelation 22:12)

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Sermon:

"Heavenly Prize"