The Law of Rewards: Giving What You Can’t Keep to Gain What You Can’t Lose

by Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn, best-selling author of The Treasure Principle, makes a clear, compelling case for an underemphasized scriptural that believers will receive differing rewards in heaven depending on their actions and choices here on earth. Taken mainly from excerpts of Money, Possessions, and Eternity, The Law of Rewards shows how our faith determines our eternal destination but our behavior determines our eternal rewards.

The Law of Rewards is published in association with Generous Giving, Inc., a ministry of The Maclellan Foundation, which offers practical tools and events designed to transform hearts and minds for revolutionary generosity.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Discipleship, Nonfiction, Theology, Audiobook, Faith

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 2003

About the author

Randy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.

"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."

Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.

Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.

Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.

Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.

Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hated this experience

[Jonathan Sussex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a hammer, hammering home a nail of one piece of biblical truth, that what we do in this life with our money has an impact for all eternity. There are times when i thought some of what he said was a bit far fetched and too good to be true, but all his arguments were backed up by biblical texts. This book goes at one of our cherished idols, money. I recommend this book, you may be surprised by what you read.

[Adam Fehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about having an eternal perspective, and how giving isn't just the good thing to do, it's also the smart thing. Everything we do on earth has eternal ramifications. This life is a training ground for the next. Rewards are a good thing as well as a good motivation for doing the right thing. Really appreciate Alcorn's perspective, and want it to be my own!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good food for thought & action. My two favorite quotes are from Jim Elliot: "Giving what you can't keep to gain what you can't lose." & John Wesley: "I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity."

[Parker Samelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just met Randy yesterday and he gave me this book. What a great guy.

[Rev Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. After reading several of Alcorn's books, this is my favorite. I also believe that it is the most important of his books in the secular, materialistic American society we call home. Randy presents a thoroughly biblical presentation for the importance of living for eternal rewards in heaven while on earth. Jesus and the apostles use heavenly rewards as the motivation for obedience time and time again. Sadly, in our American churches, we are so focused on the things we can gain and change here that eternal rewards are discounted and cast aside. I think any church holding a class on financial management should give this book to every graduating participant as a gift. The best way for a wise steward of money in this world to glorify God is to use his funds for the earning of eternal rewards. Alcorn presents a sound understanding of the doctrines of salvation and sanctification. We are given salvation by faith, and we live out our faith in the process of santification. Living out one's faith does not earn or confirm salvation, but practicing your faith stores up treasures in heaven. We need more saints in this world who live for eternity, and this book helps us along that journey.

[Julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book that takes our eyes off of temporary pleasure, and onto eternal riches. Randy Alcorn enourages us in making the smart choice of setting our minds on things above in a way that convicts, but also greatly inspires. (Well it sure inspired me at least!) I just love books that inspire!

[Kristine Bolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just…WOW.

By chapter 10 in this book, my thinking about money and my perspective on what’s important now underwent a radical transformation. God has used this book to renew my mind about money and begin to align my thinking with His when it comes to rewards. I thank God for this book!

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book full of inspiration and challenge to live for eternity and God's kingdom. I wasn't sure I agreed with everything, but this was a great book about finances and giving. I thank God for Randy's impact on my life.

[Steve N · Rating 5 out of 5]

so well written and Alcorn is such a great teacher - love his approach and everything he taught here - slr

[Dane Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian must read this book to understand the keys to prosperity and kingdom giving - the real way.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has given me a great deal to ponder. Well worth reading!

[Daniel Hinshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book on a biblical perspective of giving and storing up treasures in Heaven.

[Joseph Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
A great book on how to learn rule of rewards! This book has a cosmic shift for those who read it on how to invest for eternity!

[Tara Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gained a lot of understanding about giving after reading this book. My favorite part is about "if you want to have a heart for something put your money towards it," like missions etc. The ideas he wrote about heaven lost me that's why it is not a five star. I struggled through that part but it did help me understand the idea of rewards in a picture. I probably wouldn't be in the same place as I am now without the understanding I gained from reading this book.

[Todd DeKruyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I can recommend everything he’s written. Treasure Principle is a classic, very short and wonderfully effective read. The longer form of that is called Money, Possessions, and Eternity, and the midsize version is Managing God’s Money. All are great. However, my favorite work of Randy’s is the Law of Rewards. In it he combines his focus on the money and heaven. Yet it is still short and powerfully effective.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the way Randy Alcorn emphasized living with an eternal perspective in mind. The book was short and to the point.

[Taija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I grabbed at Missionfest, because it was free! And wow am I ever glad I did!
This book is short, yet powerful bible based book on what it means to truly be rewarded from God.

[Olive Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puts stewardship in light of eternity into clear perspective.