COLOSSIANS 3:24

“knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

I have mentioned before in my blog about inheriting some money from my dad when he passed away. It’s important to note that all I did to inherit from him was be his son. He didn’t leave any commands for me to follow to get the money. He just left his estate which was divided between me and my three siblings. He truly blessed us.

Paul uses a Greek word in today’s verse that is only used here. It is antapodosis which “refers to the act of giving back or repaying, often in the context of a reward or recompense. It carries the connotation of a just or appropriate return for actions, whether good or bad. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the divine recompense or reward that God will give to individuals based on their deeds.” (Strong’s Lexicon) Let’s talk about that.

APPLICATION

I usually agree with Strong’s, but here I must disagree somewhat. From reading the above description of antapodosis, you might get the impression that you have “do” things to gain your “reward of the inheritance.” That is just not true. If it were, Christianity would be just like other religions which demand certain things to be done to receive “salvation.”

Paul is talking about doing thing to please the Lord in verse 23 and is continuing that thought. These deeds we do are not for salvation. All we have to do to receive salvation, and thereby be qualified to receive this reward, is to believe and receive (John 1:12). Just like my earthly inheritance was based on my sonship with my earthly father, my heavenly reward of my inheritance is based on my sonship with my heavenly father. That’s it!

Today, give thanks for your family ties with Jesus. Perhaps you came out of a religion that was based on works and you’re having a hard time letting go of that. God understands that, but He also wants to free you of the chains of legalism or works. Trust His Word. He is waiting to give you your reward based solely in your trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Father, thank You I do not have to earn Your love or my reward.