Thematic Bible: Rewards at advent


Thematic Bible



For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus' voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel's voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God's trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first. Verse ConceptsDeath, Of BelieversFutureArchangelsLast ThingsMichael The ArchangelResurrection, Of BelieversResurrection, Of The DeadShoutingAngels, DescriptionAngels, Important EventsGod Going DownShout Of GodChrist And HeavenDeath Of God's PeopleOur ResurrectionTrumpets At The EndFirst ResurrectionRisingThe Second ComingThe Rapture


May the Lord strengthen your hearts so you will be [found] without just blame and holy, in the presence of our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all of His holy ones [i.e., angels. See Mark 8:38; II Thess. 1:7]. Verse ConceptsMultitudesFreedom, Through Jesus ChristFaultsethics, and graceEstablishingBlamelessness, Presented To GodEdification, Goal OfBlameAngels as agents of judgmentHoliness Of The SaintsHoliness, Purpose OfInnocence, Teaching OnHeart, RenewedSinlessnessGod Establishes UsThe Fact Of His ComingGlorificationAccompanying The Second ComingHoliness

But we are [really] citizens of heaven and we are waiting for a Savior [to return] from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly [physical] bodies and make them like His glorious body. [He will do this] according to the power that enables Him even to bring everything into submission to Himself.

And when the Supreme Shepherd [i.e., Jesus] comes back, you will receive [for your effort] a glorious crown [of reward] that will never fade away [Note: The idea of "fading away" is suggested by the laurel wreath bestowed on the winner of an athletic contest]. Verse ConceptsFutureCrowns Of Christianseternal life, nature ofAthleticsHeavenly RewardsLast ThingsHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityPeter, Preacher And TeacherPrizesReward, For God's PeopleSelf DisciplineShepherds, As Church LeaderChrist, The ShepherdNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForNo DecayCrowns For God's PeopleBemaGlorification

Those slaves whom their master finds being watchful when he returns are [certainly] blessed. Truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt [i.e., get things ready] and have them recline [at his dinner table] and will come and serve them. Verse ConceptsTablesCharacter Of SaintsClothing OneselfReclining To EatChrist Telling The TruthWaiting Till Marriageluck