When do rewards for believers come to the forefront?
Rewards for believers come to the forefront immediately after the Rapture, when believers are brought into glory with the Lord Jesus while the tribulation unfolds on earth. A great heavenly event then takes place, where rewards determine levels of responsibility in ruling and reigning with Christ.
Les explains that the whole idea of rewards comes to the fore immediately after the Rapture, when believers are brought up into glory with the Lord Jesus while the tribulation unfolds down here below. At that time, a great event takes place in heaven. He points to II Corinthians 5:8, where Paul says he is willing to be absent from the body and present with the Lord, and notes Paul's words 'wherefore we labor.' Earlier, Les used the parable of the talents to show that the servant who made ten more will rule over ten cities in the kingdom, receiving reward in eternity. Similarly, believers' rewards will be levels of responsibility as they rule and reign with Christ. Those who have only wood, hay, and stubble will be saved but will not enjoy the benefits of reward.
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.