A Christian's Pocket Guide to Good Works and Rewards: In this Life and the Next

by Mark Jones

When you consider who we are by nature and who the most holy God is in his nature, it appears at first that talk of "rewards" from God is a little presumptuous on our part. We have already been ransomed by Christ - isn't it ungrateful to expect more? Mark Jones works through the biblical basis and references to good works and rewards, showing that the grace of God our loving Heavenly Father is stamped all over this doctrine.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rev. Dr. Mark Jones (PhD, Leiden Universiteit) has been the Minister at Faith Vancouver Church (PCA) since 2007. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He lectures at various seminaries around the world and is currently writing a book titled, "Knowing Christ" (Banner of Truth, forthcoming).

He also blogs at Reformation21.org.

Reviews

[Rafael Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to a very relevant and historical doctrine. Goal accomplished: a complex and delicate subject made easy for the believer.

[Jeremy]

Brief rant that I might delete later: We live in a world with rewards and punishments, and God's grace does not absolutely abolish the reality of sowing and reaping. On an eternal level, we will not get exactly what we deserve, and we have Christ to thank for that. But on an earthly level, some of the worst advice you can ever hear is that you are fine exactly the way you are. Some cheap grace peddlers who hate any mention of the law promote a "gospel" in which God never condemns, but only gives affirmation and rest and peace with the status quo. But the universe is written in God code, and when you reap the consequences of your actions, this is not some distant universal principle that is simply working itself out; God is showing you the consequences of your actions. For example, if you weigh 500 lbs., it is true that you do not have to become a CrossFit trainer for God to love you or save your soul. However, there are many consequences from being grossly overweight (e.g., relationally, medically, physically, etc.), and God is the one who daily upholds these consequences. If you surround yourself with friends who tell you that you're fine the way you are, that those who talk about losing weight are only shaming you, that God's approval is not based on your performance, etc., you are only worsening your condition. The reality is that you need to surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth and set you on a path for success, a path with specific steps that can be and have been followed by people who have experience and wisdom. The spiritual life is similar. If a besetting sin is plaguing you, you do yourself no favors by reminding yourself that you can't save yourself, or that God's grace is sufficient, or that God is sovereign over your persistent sin, or some other platitude that makes you complacent and passive. God isn't mocking us with the books of Proverbs and James, or any other collection of practical wisdom. Chesterton's comment about Christianity can be applied to holiness: "[Holiness] has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried." The answer might be to work harder, or it might be to work smarter. But it is certainly not "Stop trying so hard." Don't believe the lie that behavior modification and heart change are disconnected.

I wonder if he mentions Lewis's "The Weight of Glory." Twitter recommendation here.

See my review of Duguid's Extravagant Grace, easily the worst book I read in 2014.

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy Mark Jones' works. This is a brief, but excellent introduction to what the Bible teaches about good works and rewards. Mark is careful to avoid the idea that we merit our salvation, but he is also clear that good works are rewarded by God. His discussion of God's love was excellent. And of course he quotes the Puritans and others often, which adds a richness to his work. A great place to get a firm foundation on what the Scriptures teach on this subject, which is often neglected or misunderstood in our day.

[S. Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but not shallow. A great overview and treatment of a topic that often confuses us.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful little book on the doctrine of good works. As Evangelicals the doctrine of justification is indeed the standing article as Luther called it. But there is a danger of what can be called a kind of 'justification-centrism' and this book rightly provides that necessary balance to avoid a lop-sidedness in our theology. Really very helpful.

[Kris Lundgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, clear, and thorough explanation of how God rewards our good works, and how that is consistent with justification by faith.

[Andrew Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my estimation the first half of the book was better than the last half, but still a helpful introduction.

[Benjamin Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on the Reformed doctrine of good works & rewards. Very helpful as a corrective to much teaching that shuns and avoids the Biblical concept of rewards altogether. If God has promised rewards for good works, is it right for us to downplay them as a motivating factor for obedience? Yet we must maintain that we can only perform these good works by grace, and they are rewarded by grace--meriting us nothing.

[Ashley Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Re-read and it was better the second time! Encouraged, convicted, and grasped the concepts better this time. I loved discussing this in a group setting!*

Short and to the point but RICH in depth. So much to ponder on and go back to. I will re-read. This book would be great to read and discuss with others.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently in a lecture in the book of Matthew we got into a discussion of judgement day and rewards in Heaven. I found myself unsure about many of the details of the believer and the judgement. I was recommended this work by my Pastor, and found it very helpful answering several of my concerns. Highly recommended!

[Adam Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can we really talk about God rewarding us for obedience? Mark Jones offers a quick tour of the key issues in a concise way, but without being superficial. Along the way, he interacts with thinkers from the past (although mostly Puritan; some newer citations would have been helpful). There are inevitable downside of brevity: in particular his treatment of the nature of future and present rewards seemed light. But for anyone with a bit of knowledge wanting to stimulate some more thought, this is a good book to pick up.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short book on good works and rewards. (As introduced by Mark Jones) In the current Christian world, there seems to be a hesistancy in talking about rewards although it is frequently mentioned in the Bible. How should we think about our good works and rewards? This is what Mark Jones answers in this short book. Packed with easy to understand explanations. A good place to start on this topic and set a good foundation.

[Cbarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jones writes with clarity, nuance, and depth. Each vitally important for subjects such as this where there are many assumptions and misconceptions. In this brief guide to the subject, Jones engages with both Scripture and the Reformed tradition. Explains the difference between meritorious works/rewards and rewards of grace. Discusses the subject as it relates to the Persons of the Trinity and God's love for his people.

[Michael Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful biblical summary. This little volume is definitely accessible to the average reader and in that, Jones has done a service to the church. He doesn't bother with overly detailed arguments or exegesis, and largely lets the bible speak for itself. I trust that this book will help encourage individuals to pursue gospel holiness.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well argued, balanced argument for God’s gracious rewarding of our Spirit enabled good works through Christ. Answers objections well and seems to provide a well-thought out case. Easy to read and understand as well. If you’ve ever wrestled with the role of ‘rewards’ in the Christian life, this is a great place to go for help and answers.

[Zach McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little read on an important topic.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. You can find most of its content in articles published online though. I wish the book was more than a "pocket guide".

[J Landon Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good corrective to modern protestant misunderstandings of the topic.

[Morgana Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito interessante! Nunca li nada parecido.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful introduction to the often misunderstood biblical relationship between faith, works, and rewards.

[DP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of sermon prep. Helpful for what it is.

[Scott Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is unfortunate this book was meant to be brief. There are not many modern citations due to the lack of modern writing that does not come from a “name it and claim it” perspective. I enjoyed this short read and will be revisiting it in time.

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful book on an important subject.