When and where do believers receive their rewards?
Believers receive their rewards after the Rapture, when they are brought up into glory with the Lord Jesus. In heaven, while the tribulation unfolds on earth, a great event takes place. These rewards are levels of responsibility for ruling and reigning with Christ.
Les explains that the issue is not salvation itself but receiving reward. He points to the parable of the talents: the servant who gained ten more was told he would rule over ten cities in the kingdom, meaning reward in eternity. For believers, rewards will be levels of responsibility as they rule and reign with Christ. This event comes to the fore immediately after the Rapture, when believers are brought up into glory with the Lord Jesus. While the tribulation unfolds on earth below, a great event takes place in heaven. Paul says in II Corinthians 5:8 that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Those with only wood, hay, and stubble will be saved but miss 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.
More Questions
Where does a believer go when they die today?
Ever since Christ ascended, paradise in glory has been the lot of the present-day believer when they die.