From this morning's sermon:
Matthew 20:1-16
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
The pastor (paraphrased) opined that spiritual rewards for work in Jesus Christ within the culminated, everlasting Kingdom of God will be the same for each person.
This is controversial theology and will be debated by scholars. The pastor stated (paraphrased) that one in ministry should not expect extra credit for works done in Jesus Christ for the gospel.
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Those in Christ are saved by grace through faith for good works, in Christ (Ephesians 1-2), therefore, even those good works in Christ are first caused by God. People are merely a secondary cause. A finite and sinful one is this realm, guided by the Holy Spirit. This is again Reformed, compatibilism and theology.
Regardless, of one's good works in Christ, relative to another in Christ, the Christian should not be concerned about what someone else receives. One should view any rewards for good works as being the benefits of salvation.
Ephesians 2: New American Standard Version
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and [h]that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
