Scripture teaches that each believer will be rewarded in heaven according to what they have done on earth. And whatever they accomplish for the Lord on earth, it will of course be due to their genuine faith which saves them.
“Look, I am coming soon! My REWARD is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12).
“…if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? …faith without works is dead.” (James 2:14, 26).
Our reward—apart from and beyond salvation—will consist in part of reigning with Christ for all eternity. The extent of our reward will depend on our work for the Lord in this life.
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
Therefore, if you as a follower of Jesus Christ are reading this, you are still breathing and have opportunity to increase the reward you will receive from our Lord Jesus when he comes. The extent of your reward will be according to what you have done for Him.
We must know what it means to use gold, silver, and costly stones on the one hand, or wood, hay, and straw on the other hand as materials in our work for the Lord. According to Scripture, the difference will be crucial.
..
Why are we not taught the important distinction between Eternal LIFE and Eternal REWARD?