Dr. Cooper begins by contrasting sentimental ideas of heaven with the biblical reality of evaluation and reward. He explains that though our sins are forgiven, our lives will still be assessed for faithfulness before the Bema Seat of Christ.

He identifies six cultural and theological reasons the doctrine of rewards has fallen out of focus in the church—and why recovering it is essential to genuine discipleship.

 The Six Reasons the Church Overlooks Heavenly Rewards

1. Cultural Egalitarianism

Western thought prizes equality of outcomes—“everyone gets a trophy.” This mindset has crept into theology, producing the belief that everyone in heaven will be equal. Yet Scripture teaches otherwise: “Each will receive his own reward according to his labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). God’s love is equal, but His commendations are not.

2. Overreaction to Works-Based Salvation

In trying to protect grace, the church has blurred the line between salvation by faith and rewards for service. Paul clearly distinguishes between the foundation of salvation (Christ) and the building of works upon it (1 Cor. 3:11–15). Salvation is free—rewards are earned.

3. Neglect of Eschatological Teaching

Many pastors avoid teaching about the judgment seat of Christ. Sermons focus on emotional well-being and personal growth rather than eternal accountability. As a result, believers lose the long view, living for comfort now instead of reward later.

4. Sentimental Views of Heaven

Heaven is often imagined as endless rest and leisure. But Scripture describes it as a place of responsibility, rulership, and reward. Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to each as his work is”(Rev. 22:12).

5. Biblical Illiteracy

A generation unfamiliar with Scripture misses the motivation for faithfulness found in passages about crowns, commendations, and inheritance. Paul, Peter, and John all lived with urgency because they feared losing reward—not salvation.

6. Spiritual Apathy and Instant Gratification

Modern discipleship often seeks blessing now instead of treasure later. Churches fill with those who want prosperity without perseverance. Yet Jesus warned, “They have their reward.” Deferred gratification—living for eternal commendation—is no longer fashionable, but it is still biblical.

 

Why There Will Be Tears in Heaven

Dr. Cooper addresses a common objection: If Jesus wipes away every tear, how can there be weeping in heaven?

He explains that the promise of “no more tears” in Isaiah 25 and Revelation 21 refers to the end of dying, not the end of emotion. The tears of regret, loss, or missed opportunity at Christ’s judgment seat are a real possibility.

 

Divine Justice and the Bema Seat

Heavenly rewards are a form of divine justice—God’s public acknowledgment of faithfulness in the age to come. Every believer will stand before Christ not to be condemned, but to have their life’s work revealed by fire.

Those who lived faithfully will receive commendation, crowns, and authority; others will suffer loss, though still saved (1 Cor. 3:15).

 

Timestamps & Key Topics

00:00 – The danger of shallow Christianity: “Just give, serve, and behave”

00:20 – Why reward, not salvation alone, is a big deal

00:38 – Introduction: Why there will be tears in heaven

01:00 – God’s conditions for answered prayer: love, faithfulness, worship

02:40 – Rediscovering true biblical worship

05:20 – God gives freely to those who love and serve Him

05:55 – Heaven vs. heavenly rewards — why most believers confuse them

06:34 – Six reasons the church has lost sight of rewards

07:00 – #1: Cultural egalitarianism and equality of outcomes

09:37 – #2: Overcompensation for works-based salvation

12:17 – #3: Neglect of eschatological teaching and eternal focus

14:18 – Reward is preparation for judgment, not optional theology

15:07 – #4: Sentimental views of heaven — endless rest vs. real responsibility

17:05 – #5: Biblical illiteracy and missing the motivation for faithfulness

20:29 – #6: Spiritual apathy and the loss of deferred gratification

22:22 – Instant gratification Christianity — “they have their reward”

23:36 – Rewards as divine justice — God’s public vindication of faithfulness

25:17 – Misunderstandings about forgiveness and evaluation

26:07 – Do our works still have merit after salvation?

27:20 – Why rewards don’t contradict grace but confirm it

27:57 – Theological dissonance: no more tears vs. weeping in heaven

30:02 – Understanding “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in Matthew 25

31:14 – Reconciling Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 25:8 — the real meaning of “no more tears”

34:56 – Tears end with death, not judgment

35:50 – Final insight: There will be no more dying—but not necessarily no more tears

 

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 3:8–15

Matthew 10:41

2 Corinthians 5:10

Revelation 22:12

Revelation 21:4

Isaiah 25:8

Matthew 25:24–30

Daniel 12:3

 

Episode Notes Recap

Week 5 of the Does God Hate the Rich? series:

• Explains why there will be tears in heaven and what those tears mean.
• Outlines six reasons the church overlooks the doctrine of heavenly rewards.
• Defines rewards as divine justice—God’s public vindication of faithfulness.
• Clarifies the difference between forgiveness of sin and evaluation of works.
• Calls believers to reject instant gratification and live for eternal commendation.
• Sets up Week 6: Five Values of the Rich That Offend God.

 

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