Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of God as a "Rewarder" is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting His nature as just and faithful. The term "Rewarder" is often associated with God's response to human faith and obedience, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between divine grace and human action.
Biblical FoundationThe idea of God as a Rewarder is explicitly mentioned in
Hebrews 11:6 : "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse underscores the necessity of faith as a prerequisite for receiving God's rewards, emphasizing that God is attentive to those who diligently pursue Him.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of reward is frequently linked to the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, illustrating the principle of divine reward and retribution.
Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward," highlighting the moral order established by God, where righteousness leads to divine reward.
The Psalms also reflect this theme, as seen in
Psalm 58:11 : "Then men will say, 'There is surely a reward for the righteous; there is surely a God who judges the earth.'" Here, the psalmist affirms the belief that God, as a just judge, rewards the righteous, reinforcing the expectation of divine recompense.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, Jesus frequently speaks of rewards in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the rewards for those who practice righteousness in secret, as seen in
Matthew 6:4 : "so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This passage emphasizes the sincerity of heart and purity of motive as conditions for divine reward.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of reward in his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 3:8 , he writes, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor." Paul highlights the principle of individual responsibility and the assurance of reward based on one's faithful service to God.
Eschatological PerspectiveThe ultimate reward for believers is often portrayed in eschatological terms, pointing to the future hope of eternal life.
Revelation 22:12 declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This promise of Christ's return and the accompanying rewards serves as a motivation for perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian life.
Practical ImplicationsUnderstanding God as a Rewarder encourages believers to live lives of faith and obedience, trusting in His justice and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that while earthly rewards may be temporary, the eternal rewards promised by God are secure and everlasting. This perspective fosters a sense of hope and purpose, motivating believers to seek God's will and to remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) One who rewards.
Greek
3406. misthapodotes -- one who pays wages... pays wages. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: misthapodotes Phonetic
Spelling: (mis-thap-od-ot'-ace) Short Definition: a
rewarder Definition: a
...4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is arewarder
of those who seek Him" (). : Nothing quite like this...
Library
Hebrews xi. 3, 4
... said nor thought anything of this kind, but passing beyond all these things, he
knew that if there is a God, certainly there is aRewarder also: although as...
Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... "For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is arewarder of
them that diligently seek Him.".... Faith believes that God is arewarder....
True Repentance a Thing Divine, Originated by God, and Subject to...
... own (of which, being the author, He must necessarily be the defender too), is in
like manner the acceptor of them, and if the acceptor, likewise therewarder....
The Endless Quest
... "Lord, teach us to pray.""Luke 11.i. "He that cometh to God must believe that He
is, and that He is arewarder of them that diligently seek Him (lit....
The Author and the End of Theology
... He speaks of the former in these words: "For he that cometh to God must have believed
[so I read it,] that he is, and that he is arewarder of them that...
The Necessity of Faith for Justification
... For he that cometh to God [he that is to be justified], must believe that He is
[the existence of God], and is arewarder to them that seek Him."(789) The...
The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C....
... Heb.11:6""But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is arewarder of them that...
The Blood of Sprinkling
... general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven." Moreover,
he has come "to God the Judge of all," the umpire andrewarder of all...
Faith and Courage.
... In Hebrews we read that without faith it is impossible to please God. "For he that
cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is aRewarder of them...
Entire Sanctification Obtainable.
... We are assured that without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh
to God must believe "that He is, and that He is arewarder of them that...
Thesaurus
Rewarder (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who rewards. Multi-Version Concordance
Rewarder (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it
...Well-pleasing (16 Occurrences)
... 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing 'unto him'; for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and 'that' he is arewarder of them...
Rewards (26 Occurrences)
... from faith it is impossible to please well, for it behoveth him who is coming to
God to believe that He is, and to those seeking Him He becometh arewarder....
Rewardedst (1 Occurrence)
Rewardeth (5 Occurrences)
Exists (18 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who
comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is arewarder of those...
Draws (20 Occurrences)
... faith it is impossible truly to please Him; for the man who draws near to God must
believe that there is a God and that He proves Himself arewarder of those...
Proves (11 Occurrences)
... faith it is impossible truly to please Him; for the man who draws near to God must
believe that there is a God and that He proves Himself arewarder of those...
Becometh (82 Occurrences)
... from faith it is impossible to please well, for it behoveth him who is coming to
God to believe that He is, and to those seeking Him He becometh arewarder....
Serious (31 Occurrences)
... it is not possible to be well-pleasing to him, for it is necessary for anyone who
comes to God to have the belief that God is, and that he is arewarder of all...
Resources
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is faithfulness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is subjective truth? | GotQuestions.orgRewarder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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