Beth-El Baptist Church

07/10/2011

Greg Tomlinson


(open) Are there different levels of heaven?


Some people look at being in the eternal presence of God as though there are actually different levels of heaven. Someone who was a faithful minister of God would be in a higher level of heaven than someone who is barely serving the Lord. An associated possibility is that there are differing rewards given in heaven depending upon the person's level of service.


  1. How many heavens are there?

Deuteronomy 10:14 2 Corinthians 12:2


The scriptures speak of 3 heavens. It is understood that the first heaven is our atmosphere, where the birds fly. The second heaven is the area of outer space where the other planets reside. The third heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God. The implication is that there is but one level of eternal heaven.


  1. Are there differing rewards?

James 3:1 Romans 12:1-2

Luke 17:7-10 Revelation 4:10-11

Matthew 20:8-15


Because we are told that unfaithful or deceitful teachers will receive a greater condemnation, it is often believed that the same should hold for the rewards. Looking further at the issue of being a faithful servant of Christ, we begin to see that even the most faithful servant of Christ is still nothing more than an “unprofitable” servant since he has done nothing more than what Christ has called him to do. The great evangelists have only been obedient to the call of God on their lives. The mentally challenged faithful has only been obedient to the call of God on their lives. Since both are simply being obedient, it is not appropriate to expect one to receive some sort of greater blessing than another. Furthermore, in the parables of Jesus, we are told the all who have worked, regardless of the type or duration, will receive the same wage. As we look at our Christian life properly, who is to receive the commendation for what someone has accomplished? Only Jesus Christ should receive any commendation at all.


  1. What is the best that we can hope for?

Philippians 3:8-10


The best that we can hope for is to be found to be in Christ. To be accepted and approved by God for His divine purposes. Our purpose or goal ought to be to serve and to proclaim Christ. If we look upon the concept of differing rewards, what difference will it make in the way you live your life? If you would work “harder” and “serve” more for a better reward, then your work is not out of faith and for Christ and so you will receive no reward.