Heavenly Rewards: Living with Eternity in Sight

by Mark Hitchcock

Are You Living in Light of Eternity?
 
It’s difficult to imagine eternal life. But when you’ve got only one life and you know there is coming a day when you will stand before God, it’s important to consider whether you’re living each day like your life depends on it.
 
If you’re a Christian, the good news is God’s judgment isn’t about determining your salvation—it’s about rewarding your faithfulness. Salvation cannot be earned—it’s already yours.
 
In Heavenly Rewards you will uncover fascinating truths about how the life you live today determines your life in eternity. You will… Yes, your faithfulness will be rewarded. God knows the smallest details of your days, and He wants to acknowledge your every act you’ve done for Him.
 
Living well with an eternal perspective really can change your life—for good.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Spirituality

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2019

About the author

Mark Hitchcock was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from law school in 1984. After working for a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for four years, Mark was led to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1991. Since that time, he has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He completed his PhD at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005 and serves as an associate professor of Bible exposition at DTS. He has authored over thirty books related to end-time Bible prophecy that have sold over one million copies. His books have been translated into over ten languages. Mark is a frequent speaker at churches and prophecy conferences both in the United States and internationally. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two sons, Justin (married to Natalee) and Samuel, and two grandchildren..
You can also connect with Mark on Facebook

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered about the crowns mentioned in Revelation? What does the Bible say about our eternal quality of life? What would our lives look like if we really grasp the importance of doing everything to the glory of God?
Hitchcock helps us learn what the Bible teaches about the believer’s rewards, what they are and why we will or will not receive them. He helps us see how much they depend on our faithfulness. He wants us to see the glorious truth of God’s love as shown through the rewards He gives His faithful children. He is very clear though, and actually, he spends a great deal of time showing us from the Bible, that he is only talking about Heavenly rewards depending upon our efforts. Salvation is dependent upon faith alone not on works.
This book was incredibly motivating; or rather the truths it teaches are incredibly motivating. It made me focus on what will be eternally lasting. It was also one of the most encouraging and comforting books I’ve read in a long time, for it clearly shows that God will reward all that come to and labor for Him.
Hitchcock writes with an easy conversational style. It’s full of illustrative stories and anecdotes drawn from everyday life. He also includes numerous quotes from many other Christian writers, speakers, and preachers.
I would recommend this book to every Christian. I believe it will be an encouragement, comfort, and help to every believer.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Hitchcock is one of my favorite Christian authors and speakers. He has written several books on eschatology that are clear and Biblically sound.

This book highlights the believer's rewards. . . what are they? How do we get them? When do we get them? Why should we seek them? The book also provides a bibliography of further suggestions to read on this topic.

Bottom line: How we live our lives on earth matters for eternity.

[Conny Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To state it succinctly: The life you live today will determine your life in eternity” Mark Hitchcock writes in his book, Heavenly Rewards: Living with Eternity in Sight.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-ninety-two-page paperback targets Christians who want to focus on the heavenly rewards given to us as we prepare for an eternity with Jesus. Using mainly the New American Standard Bible, other versions referenced are the NIV, KJV, TLB, and Phillips. After a forward by Greg Laurie and introduction, there are ten chapters, ending with two appendices, recommended reading, notes, and advertisements.

This book includes documented Bible verses and quoted authors and pastors as it reiterates that by accepting God’s gift of eternal salvation, we have one life to receive His many heavenly rewards by our actions, words, and motives here on earth. When our lives are under scrutiny during the judgment day, we will be given rewards of praise and purpose, not punishment or negativity. The book’s contents mention rewards of praise, co-ruling, fourteen “actions,” and five different crowns the Lord gives us. The two appendices cover question and answers along with an excerpt from Dr. John F. Walvoord’s book.

~ Why ~
While many Biblical scholars promote salvation plus works gets us into Heaven, Hickcock firmly and correctly believes that only by God’s grace alone in believing Jesus died on the cross for our sins can redeem us. I appreciate the writer’s stand that works are not a part of the formula to enter eternity with Christ, but what we do here on earth will produce God’s rewards and praises later and forever. As we seek God’s approval above all else, we will be given specific rewards, treasures, and crowns when standing at the bema judgment seat, accounting for our lives here on earth.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may have no interest in this book or not want to consider thinking about their eternity. Some believers (not me) may not like the author’s pre-tribulation rapture stance.

~ Wish ~
With the book being a short read, it would be advantageous if it covered more applicable reminders to please the Lord so He can say “well done, thy faithful servant” to us in glory.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a book that encourages a Christian to consider the rewards that will be given in Heaven based on what happens here on Earth, this is a good start that covers the topic nicely.

Thanks to Harvest House and the author for this book that I am under no obligation to review.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavenly Rewards is an insightful book that unfolds the fascinating biblical truths about our heavenly rewards. It is timely, encouraging and a necessary read in this day and age as it helps to set or reset our perspective to the right biblical perspective - eternity.

"Key #1: Your belief determines where you will spend eternity.
Key #2: Your behavior determines how you will spend eternity."

There are ten chapters in this book where Dr. Hitchcock first lays out many Scripture references (both Old and New Testament) about heavenly rewards:

"After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." - Genesis 15:1

"The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12

"The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward." - Proverbs 11:18

"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." - Ephesians 6:8

Dr. Hitchcock also lists fourteen types of actions in this life that God rewards as He has promised in His Word. Among them are:

1. How we treat other believers
2. How generous we are with our money
3. How we support others in ministry
4. How well we accept mistreatment and injustice
5. How we endure suffering and trials
6. How we spend out time
7. How we run the race God has given us

Other important issues such as the principles of God's reward program to His children and also judgment and punishment for unbelievers are also addressed in this book.

I learnt a lot from this book and it certainly has encouraged me in my daily walk with Christ. Having the right biblical mindset about eternity and heavenly rewards will help us to live out our lives here on earth that will please the Lord. I highly recommend this book to both new and seasoned believers.

"What you do in your life now with your one shot will have repercussion that roll on forever through the endless ages."


***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***

[Daniel G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author sets forth the biblical doctrine of rewards with clarity and an appropriate sense of urgency. He doesn’t waste words or get bogged down in unnecessary details or controversy. This, together with numerous anecdotes and quotations—some humorous—makes the book readable. His Dispensational view of Scripture will be off putting to some, but demonstrates a respect for context and a literal approach to biblical interpretation. The handful of discussions in the footnotes are worth reading because there he explains his reasons for rejecting opposing interpretations of key passages by others, such as the late Dr. Zane Hodges.
My favorite chapter is 9, Your Ultimate Payday, in which his explains The Parable of Laborers In the Vineyard in which the workers were all paid the same wages regardless of how long they worked. The principles he draws from this parable are helpful to all us whose first reaction is to think the landowner is unfair.
My biggest surprise and disappointment is that there is virtually no mention of the believer’s faithful development and exercise of his spiritual gift as a basis for Christ’s judgment for rewards. He does emphasize faithfulness as the crowning glory the believer’s life generally; and his excerpt from Dr. Walvoord hints at the importance of fulfilling one’s calling. He also reminded his readers a couple of times that teachers will be judged more strictly than others. And, to be fair, he made one reference to “the gift of evangelism” (which appears in none of the lists of gifts, including 1 Corinthians 12).
So, I think he missed an opportunity to address specific responsibility every believer has to build up the body of Christ, whether it is by one of the speaking gifts of teaching, prophecy, exhortation, or one of the serving gifts including leading, mercy, helps and giving (Romans 12:6-8). Ephesians 4:7-16 addresses the role of God-given evangelists, apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers in equipping the saints for their works of service in building up the body of Christ.
Another observation is that he leaned pretty heavily on a few writers including Randy Alcorn, Erwin Lutzer, quoting them several times. There were also a few assertions with which I disagree even after reading his defenses of them.
But, for the most part, this is a good book to give to someone who is new to the subject of eternal rewards or wants a fresh take on it.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to a written discussion of “living with eternity in sight,” (the author’s subtitle for this 2019 publication), without a doubt, Mark Hitchcock’s second chapter is his most important segment. In this chapter, the Oklahoma pastor explains “the most important issue . . . how good works for rewards and salvation by grace fit together.” Hitchcock explores “the relationship between faith and works, or redemption and rewards.” As the author points out, “Avoiding any confusion about these two lines of truth is essential.” Calling “faith and works the two master keys of the law or principle of rewards,” Hitchcock lays out a simple way to explain these “basic, yet supremely significant” truths: “Your belief determines where you will spend eternity. Your behavior determines how you will spend eternity.”

In these 169 pages, Hitchcock also covers the various seven future judgments potentially waiting some or all of those entering eternity. Perhaps the most intimidating if not the most challenging segment, Chapter Eight, discusses our “final exam” before God and lists “fourteen types of actions in this life that God has promised to reward in the future.”

Hitchcock’s exploration is loaded with footnotes and is saturated with Scripture references authenticating the author’s points. He relies heavily on other similar treatments of spiritual rewards by such well-known Bible scholars as Warren Wiersbe, Randy Alcorn, Woodrow Kroll, Erwin Lutzer, Max Lucado, John Walvoord and John MacArthur. Pastor Hitchcock has borrowed from these leading experts on the subject to create a handbook for successfully living the Christian life. Read this and expect your life to change forever and for eternity.

[DMaddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book on heavenly rewards for Christians and how to earn them. Believers will receive different rewards in heaven based on the degree of their faithfulness and sacrifice for our Lord. This is pretty much on a target based on many Bible verses. He indicates no believers experience a lack of fullness or feel incomplete if they receive few rewards or if their works are burned up. He explains this through an example that everyone's cup in heaven will be full, but some cups will be larger than others. He goes on to say that we will all be vessels of God's glory and our capacity to radiate that glory will be different for each believer based on how we serve Christ now. He explains that there will be no personal sense of lack because each believer will be filled to the limit of his capacity. This is some pretty heavy stuff that the reader will need to examine in small chunks. I look forward to going back and verifying the information through a thorough study of quoted Bible verses.

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mostly well-written book on a topic that I've not seen much about over the years. Most Christians I encounter either know little about the rewards that God offers for being faithful to Him while on Earth or they treat them as unimportant. God desires to reward His faithful servants and so we as His followers should desire to earn them from Him. My biggest frustration is that the author felt compelled to repeat that our salvation is not earned so often that it became distracting. Once a point is made then it is best to move on. Other than this the writing felt a bit too juvenile at times, but not overly so. This is an important topic and reading it should help any follower of Christ to understand the importance of striving for the rewards that God so lovingly desires to give us.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several books written by Mark Hitchcock. I enjoyed this book which lays out the Christian life and its impact on one's spiritual condition and heavenly rewards. The author delves deeply into faithfulness of the Lord in rewarding not out of love and grace not obligation. Hitchcock also focuses on the seat of judgment (bema) which I reserved only for God. It us from here that the Lord will judge each person's life and choices. There's also an emphasis placed on living by and standing in faith through the difficult times. Overall, the emphasis on living with an eternal perspective comes across.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable book. I was immediately invested in the Still thinking about it days after I finished it. It was well planned and well written. Very inspiring. I highly recommend this for everyone. It gets a 5 star rating from me.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book and really enjoyed how he framed this. Also, I love the biblical support for how we should be living. The Lord does give us motivation in all forms to do that which is truly best for us (to live for Him alone!)!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking

[Yvonne Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I live is determined by Who I live for. Our good and generous God gives us rewards even though we don’t deserve them.

[Cheshers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as a Bible study and walked away encouraged! What a joy heaven will be! Such interesting facts about heaven, and the rewards there will be for actions here on earth. It's an excellent reminder to live kingdom minded!