Colossians 3:24 - The Reward Of The Inheritance

Colossians 3:22-25, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

One of my favorite preachers is Evangelist Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). He was a distinguished English Christian theologian, academic and churchman. Ellicott states concerning Colossians 3:22-25:

(22-25) Compare throughout Ephesians 6:5-9. The only peculiarity of this passage is the strong emphasis laid on “the reward of the inheritance.” “The reward” is in the original, a perfect recompense or requital. The “inheritance” is exactly that which no slave could receive; only a son could be an heir (Galatians 4:7). Hence the slave on earth is recognised as a son in heaven. He “serves the Lord,” but his service is the perfect freedom of sonship.

SOURCE: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/3.htm

I love that! The Apostle Paul encourages the lowest form of earthly slave, by reminding them that in God's eyes they are SONS, and have all the same rights and privileges of inheritance as BIOLOGICAL SONS (even though they are adopted sons by faith - John 1:12; Romans 8:15). So the "reward of the inheritance" here means that even though they are mere slaves to their masters, and not qualified to be treated as sons, God will reward them for their labors as if they were sons.

I think the story of the Prodigal Son is a good example of this truth. Both were sons. Both had an inheritance coming that they were entitled to. Yet we see how one son squandered his inheritance from the father. The other worked hard faithfully and pleased his father. Likewise, all believers are justified by faith alone. We are all sons. We are all entitled to a divine inheritance. Yet, only those who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the brightness of the stars forever (Daniel 12:3). Some believers will have treasures laid up in eternity (Matthew 6:19-20), while others will have no rewards (1st Corinthians 3:15). 

The faithful son was upset with his father for throwing a party for the prodigal son who returned, killing the fatted calf and putting a ring on his irresponsible brother's finger. Who could blame the faithful son for being frustrated and peeved? Yet, we see the great wisdom of the father, which represents our heavenly Father. The Dad enlightened the faithful son that it was right and proper to rejoice that the prodigal son had repented and come back home, but he reminds his faithful son that everything he owns is his, not just a fatted calf and a ring.

Likewise, all believers are entitled to Heaven, but faithful believers will be entitled by their faithfulness to greater rewards in eternity (1st Corinthians 3:8-9). Revelation 22:12, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” This is why we must separate SERVICE from SALVATION. God rewards faithful service, but salvation is by faith alone. The beautiful story of the Prodigal Son shows us the difference in how different children are rewarded by God for faithfulness, yet both are sons who are entitled to an inheritance. 

Many believers are wasting their time, money and spiritual gifts from God here on earth, for which they will one day regret it dearly at the Judgment Seat Of Christ:

2nd Corinthians 5:9-11, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”

This passage of Scripture is NOT about salvation. As believers we will be held accountable by the Lord for our works. Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Right now it is time to LABOR for believers. There is always much work to be done. The world is literally dying for Christians who are real, who proclaim THE TRUTH and care!

Sadly, the average Neo-evangelical church today is only concerned about making money, with no interest in soulwinning. I attended the Harvest Baptist Church on Guam for a year in 2014. They have no soulwinning program. That's the barren Bob Jones University crowd today, with their perverse counterfeit gospel of Lordship Salvation. Neo-evangelicals reject and intentionally avoid the word “soulwinning” because it is commonly attributed to Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001), who was in my humble opinion responsible for more soulwinning than any other preacher of the 20th century. The Bible says winning souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

One day the Lord will welcome every believer home, throwing a big party in Heaven, making us feel loved and welcomed. Yet, those believers who haven't been faithful to serve God won't enjoy Heaven as much as the believers who did, laboring to win souls by preaching the Gospel and laying up treasures in Heaven. If all believers will have everything equal, then what would be the purpose of laboring for Christ to earn rewards? (1st Corinthians 3:7-9). What would be the benefit of laying up treasures in Heaven? (Matthew 6:19-20). What would be the reason for counting the cost and paying the price of discipleship? Luke 14:27-28, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” This is not salvation, this is service. 

Pastor M.R. DeHaan (1891-1965) explains the difference very well:

"There is a vast difference between coming to Jesus for salvation and coming after Jesus for service. Coming to Christ makes one a believer, while coming after Christ makes one a disciple. All believers are not disciples. To become a believer one accepts the invitation of the Gospel, to be a disciple one obeys the challenge to a life of dedicated service and separation. Salvation comes through the sacrifice of Christ; discipleship comes only by sacrifice of self and surrender to His call for devoted service. Salvation is free, but discipleship involves paying the price of a separated walk. Salvation can't be lost because it depends upon God's faithfulness, but discipleship can be lost because it depends upon our faithfulness." DeHaan, M. R. Hebrews. Zondervan Publishing House, 1959 (p. 117).

Bravo! I couldn't have said it any better. 

The Lord knows your efforts. Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” The Lord promised to reward us even for giving a cup of water in a disciple's name, not in Jesus' name. The Bible is saying that God is so ethical that He is going to reward a Christian who helps another believer, who is helping another believer, who is helping Christ. The man at the auto parts store who helps the church mechanic, who is helping his pastor, gets a reward for ultimately helping Christ. That is so awesome and wonderful. God is a good God.