Salvation is a gift. A reward is something given for merit or accomplishment. We didn’t do anything to merit salvation. It comes as a gift through faith. Isn’t your statement saying salvation is a reward giving the wrong idea about salvation? It implies that salvation is somehow earned. I have been following your website and teachings for a while now. I am puzzled by this statement.
Bec
ause we are unable to earn salvation through our own merit, salvation is indeed a gift (Rom. 6:23). This does not, however, take away our responsibility to obey. One requirement for all believers is to show love to Almighty Yahweh. According to Scripture, we love Him by obeying His Commandments (1 John 5:3). If we ignore this love, we will not receive eternal life (Rev. 22:14). In this way, salvation is a reward to those who faithfully follow Yahweh. The relationship is the same with our own children. While our love for our children is not based on merit, it does not absolve them of the consequences for rebellion or a lack of obedience. When children behave, they are rewarded with our favor. When they misbehave, they are punished. Looking at it from another perspective, although we cannot earn salvation, Yahweh will not reward a practicing sinner with everlasting life. He says the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom, and in 1Corinthians 6:9-10 He lists numerous sins that will keep all who practice them shut out of everlasting life. Obedience does not of itself earn passage into His kingdom but it does make one worthy of it, and also earns Yahweh’s favor.
