In our second chapter we want to see what will happen to those Saints after they are taken up from this
world. Jesus himself stated that He went up, to prepare a place for all who love Him and serve Him as their Lord . (John 14:2)
I personally believe that all believers after they are taken up from this earth, will go into this place which the Lord has
prepared for them. All Christians rejoice and look forward with great anticipation to this glorious reunion with their Saviour
and Lord. However, in this new home believers will be also reunited with all their loved ones who preceded them into eternity.
This will also be a great and glorious reunion of all believing husbands and wives. Parents will be reunited with their children
from whom they were separated by natural or tragic death. This cannot be properly described, neither can it be fully comprehended
in this temporal life. The full extent of it will be fully realized only on that day, when we shall meet our dear Lord and
all our loved ones. In 1975, I was privileged after 26 long years, to return to Czechoslovakia and meet with my mother, older
brother and sister, with their families and with many friends. Words cannot describe my joy and fear as we were landing at
Prague airport. Finally, after I found our luggage and was cleared by customs, I met my family. Indeed this was a time of
rejoicing, with much laughter, tears and hugs. All six weeks in Czechoslovakia were very special and precious, because we
were talking, traveling, meeting new friends as well as old ones, and visiting many beautiful places and meeting many people.
But it will be much, much better when we all get to heavenm when we meet with our Saviour and are reunited with our christian
loved ones and friends in that lovely place our Lord has prepared.
It is impossible to describe the beauty and glory of heaven. Prior to my coming to Canada in November of
1949, I only heard a few remarks about this wonderful country. Many of these comments sounded unbelievable. I had no idea
how big and beautiful Canada was, nor how people lived here. I was only anxiously waiting to see my new homeland,
because I felt lonely in France, where I spent about 7 months, prior to my departure for Canada. My dream came true in November
1949, when we landed in Halifax, N.S., after traveling for about 8 days across the ocean. Then I spend 3 days and nights
on the train, travelling from Halifax to Minitonas, Manitoba. Along the way I was eagerly watching this vast country. Coming
from such a small country like Czechoslovakia, i could not believe my eyes when I saw the vastness of Canada, with many lakes
and forests. I was puzzled by it all especially from Sudbury, Ontario, because I hardly saw any people living near the
railroad tracts. Finally, after a very long and tiresome journey, I arrived in Minitonas, a little farming community about
500 klm., north-west of Winnipeg. Inspite of tiredness, I was delighted to meet my relatives, most of whom I had never met,
and knew only from photographs. Yet this too, was a very happy reunion. But again we cannot even compare it to the beauty
and joy we will experience when we shall meet our Lord in the air, and be reunited with all the believers in that heavenly
home. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1. Corinthians 2:9, that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him." Please, think about it dear reader, be thanful and be excited! Tell everybody,
that Jesus is your Saviour and Lord.
1. From 2.Corinthians 5:10 we see that after the Rapture of the Church, all believers will be judged. We
read: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things
done while in the body, whether good or bad." Let us remember however, that at this judgment Jesus will not be
deciding who will be saved and who will be lost, because only Christians, only those who were changed by God's Holy Spirit
and who were washed by the blood of the Lamb of God, will be here. Only redeemed and saved people will face this
judgment. Unbelievers will be judged later on. We will talk about that in chapter six. At this place Jesus will judge and
righteously reward the labour of His faithful servants. It is true that salvation is by God's grace alone! It
is the free gift of God, and nobody can earn it or buy it for himself nor for others. Ephisians 2:8-9 clearly states, that
"... it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by
works, so that no one can boast.
From Psalm 49:7 we see that " No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him."
Also from the parable of rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 we see that after death, people cannot cross from one place
into another, because "a great chasm (a deep pit) has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor
can anyone cross over from there to us." (Luke 16:26) Therefore let us never forget this truth, that although salvation is
free for all as God's gift, the reward of all believers will be according to their work, or as the Good News Bible puts it,
that "each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad..." (2 Cor. 5:10)
Many times people make the accusation that God is unjust, because He will condemn certain people to eternal
suffering. Yet it is worthy to note that God does not condemn anyone. He is not willing that anybody shold be lost. Apostle
Peter explains it this way: "The Lord ... is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but come to repentantce." (2 Peter 3:9)
The prophet Ezekiel tells us that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. He wants them to repent and live.
(Ez. 18:23 and 32 and 33:11) The apostle John confirms this truth when he reminds us that "God so loved the world..." He did
not " ... send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in
Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's
one and only Son." (John 3:16-18) From Luke 16:10 we learn that Jesus Christ "came to seek and to save what was lost (sinners)."
Therefore today all who will be lost will be so, only because of their own unbelief and unwillingness to repent ans ask Jesus
for forgiveness. All who come to Him seeking cleansing and salvation, will be received and changed. (see John 1:12 and 6:37)
On one occasion the president of a certain country sent an amnesty and a pardon to one criminal who was
condemned to die. Instead of being thankful, this murderer arrogantly refused the president's gift. Just before the execution
Mr. President told the news media that he did all he could, to spare the man's life. However, he added, "I cannot force anyone
to accept my gift!" God in Jesus Christ did everything He could in order to provide salvation for everybody. Now people may
have it by accepting it. But God will not force anyone to accept His gift of salvation.
2. The just reward. Jesus Christ is the righteous Judge. He will justly reward every person and servant
according to his work. Therefore we don't have to worry that anyone will be overlooked or misjudged. Jesus will see to it
that each person receive "what is due him (or her) for the things done while in body, whether good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10)
The apostle Paul, just before his execution wrote this encouraging statement, when he said: "I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in stone for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
(2 Tim. 4:7-8) Also we read in Revelation 22:12: "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to
everyone according to what he has done."
From all previous Bible references, we clearly see that the believers will be rewarded according to their
labour, and not according to what the bishop or some leaders of certain conventions or denominations suggest. This decision
will be justly made only by the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
During the olympic games we heard and saw many times that certain judges did not judge righteously.
They were influenced either by race or some political prejudice. It is so sad that some very good athletes do not receive
their just reward, a gold, silver or bronze medal. This will not happen at "the judgment seat of Christ". Praise be to God
for this revelation. Therefore, dear reader, do not lose your hope nor your desire to be a true witness and a faithful servant
of the Lord. Even if people in your church, or on the mission field, or wherever you might try to serve your Master, do not
recognize your efforts and don't thank you for all the work you are doing, remain faithful and steadfast until that day when
your Master will call you to be with Him in glory. Even if people don't see your endeavours and don't appreciate your sacrificial
service, your Lord knows all about you. One day He will reward you justly for everything. He sees your tears, He knows your
heart and He will honour and reward your service. Remember also, that we are God's servants and not slaves of people or organizations.
During the summer or winter olympic games athletes receive only three rewards; gold, silver and bronze.
This means that those who come in as fourth, will not receive any medals. Our Bible speaks about five different rewards, or
crowns, which Jesus will give to His faithful servants.
1. The first crown will last for ever. The apostle Paul is thinking about the original olympic games in
Greece, when athletes would receive a laurel, a wreathe or a crown which lested only for a short time. Yet people did their
best to obtain a prize. In those days, as with today's medals, it was a great honour to be crowned and recognized as
a winner. The garland, or crown, that Jesus will give His faithful servants, will last forever. Paul says: "Everyone who competes
in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will
last forever." (1 Cor 9:25)
2. The second reward is "the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12) This
crown will be awarded to those who persevered under many trials of life.
3. The third reward is "the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4) It appears that this
special reward will be given to all pastors, missionaries and to all those who look after Christ's sheeps.
4. The fourth crown is the crown of life, which will be given to all who suffered martyrdom for their faith,
like Stephen, who was stoned to death outside the city of Jerusalem. (Acts 7:57-58 and Revelation 2:10)
5. The fifth and final reward is the crown of righteousness, which will be given to all faithful servants
"who have longed for His (Christ's) appearing," (2 Tim. 4:8) This reward will be given to all servants of Jesus Christ,
who finish their spiritual race and life's battle, and who remain faithful and true to the end of their journey. It makes
no difference if they come in first, tenth or zillionth. As long as they remain faithful to Jesus to the end of their life
they will receive this award. Today we see quite a few people who start their spiritual race so courageously, and with such
zeal fight their battle, but for some unknown (to us) reason, they soon give up. Maybe they were discouraged by other
people, perhaps they were not appreciated, or maybe they have not seen any great results. Therefore they have quit their fight
and stopped in the middle of their race. No, I am not saying, that they will lose their soul, but according to 2 Timothy
4:8, they will miss out on this final reward; they will not receive the crown of righteousness. Therefore, may I encourage
you, dear reader, to remain loyal and faithful in your service for the Lord, until He calls you to your eternal rest. May
we all be among those who on that judgment day hear from our Master those beautiful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant!
... Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matt. 25:21)
3. Believers in heaven will not only rest from their labours, nor will they only worship their Lord
and rejoice in His presence. They will be busy serving as co-heirs and co-leaders with Christ. (Romans 8:17) The
Lord Jesus Christ will appoint many Christians into different offices and into various positions of which they will be in
charge during the Millennial Kingdom. We will look at the Millennial Kingdom in chapter four. The following Bible references
confirm the teaching about this fact, that faithful believers one day will rule with Jesus as co-leaders. Jesus says: "I tell
you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also
sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28) "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father
has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) "And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on
me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Luke
22:29:30) From the previous Bible references we see that faithful followers of Jesus will one day be with Him in a real kingdom
as co-leaders and co-rulers.
4. Another very important event will take place in heaven at this time. The Bible calls it The Marriage
Supper of the Lamb. We read about this beautiful event in Revelation 19:7-9. The apostle John, after very loud peals and thundering
and shouts of "Hallelujahs", heard this: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous
acts of the Saints) Then the angel said to me: "Write: "Bless are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!"
Banquets are always very special occasions. I remember when the Czechoslovak Baptist Church in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, suprised us with a special banguet comemorating my 20 years of pastoral ministry. This was jointly celebrated
with our 25th wedding anniversary. It took place at one of the largest hotels in Toronto. During the programme,
several speakers made commendable remarks about our ministry. They extended to us their congratulations and best wishes.
At the end I received a wrist watch, with this inscription: "To Rev. J. Novak from the Czechoslovak Baptist
church, in recognition of his 20 years of pastoral ministry. Feb.2,1975." It was exciting, beautiful and very encouraging
to see so many friends with our family, preparing this banquet in recognition of our service. Jesus will not forget to recognize
and reward all His faithful servants and workers. He says that all who offer to others a cup of water in His name "will certainly
not lose their reward." (Mark 9:41)
Almost every wedding banquet and celebration is a time of joy and blessing. But the main purpose of each
wedding is to exhibit that two persons are publicly united in matrimony. The bride and the groom openly declare before God
and several witnesses their love and loyalty to each other. It is so sad, that too many people forget it so quickly! In these
days over 50% of marriages end in divorce. At the Marriage Supper of the Lamb believers as the Bride of Christ, will be united
with Him forever. From this time on, nothing and no one will be able to separate them from Him. Death and divorce will not
exist in heaven.
In conclusion of this chapter I want to use the following illustration. I hope ans pray that it will encourage
and spiritually strengthen all of you. But especially it should encourage all of those Christian workers who might be downhearted
and disappointed in their work.
A missionary was returning to his homeland from Africa, where he spent over 40 years. Almost all his life
he lived for others. He witnessed to them about Jesus and tried to bring them to His saving grace. Now he was retiring, returning
to his homeland. As he was returning to his country, he was on the same flight as was one high government official. As soon
as they left the aircraft, this missionary heard a band playing and several other government officials were welcoming their
friend, who was returning from his hunting trip. Suddenly deep loneliness, disappointment, hurt and sorrow filled this missionary's
heart, because there was nobody to meet him and help him with his luggage. At that moment, however God's Holy Spirit quieted
his heart, by saying: "My son, I have not forgotten to welcome you and reward you. But you must be patient for a while yet.
You are not home yet!" Yes, my dear reader, today we see many sons and daughters of the world, being recognized, welcomed
and rewarded. Please be patient and steadfast a little while longer. Serve your Lord faithfully until that day whan He will call
you home. Never forget this: "... your labour in the Lord is not in vain." (1. Cor. 15:58b).
Chapter 3:
