Jimmy Akin, an expert in Catholic teaching and apologetics, discusses the biblical doctrine of rewards. Our actions in life can affect the degree of reward we receive in heaven. The podcast explores Catholic teaching on merit and reward, citing biblical passages that indicate varying rewards for different actions and individuals.
The term 'merit' refers to a reward and the doctrine of merit is the biblical doctrine of rewards.
Our actions in this life can affect the degree of reward we receive in heaven, as emphasized by Jesus and Paul.
Deep dives
Merit as a Reward
The Catholic teaching on merit is often criticized as unbiblical. However, the term 'merit' refers to a reward, and the doctrine of merit is simply the biblical doctrine of rewards. According to the Bible, our actions in this life can impact the degree of reward we receive in Heaven. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of laying up treasures in Heaven, and he differentiated between actions that would receive rewards and those that would not.
Degrees of Reward
Contrary to the belief that there will be no degrees of reward in Heaven, Jesus and Paul indicate otherwise. Jesus highlighted that individual actions are subject to rewards, cautioning against doing good deeds for the sake of receiving praise from others. On the other hand, Paul explained that some people will enter Heaven with greater rewards than others, as their works will be tested by fire. Moreover, Paul emphasized that rewards will be given according to one's works, specifically mentioning how patience and well-doing seek rewards of glory, honor, and immortality.
DAY 312
CHALLENGE
“Catholic teaching on merit is unbiblical. We can’t merit anything before God.”
DEFENSE
The term “merit” (Latin, meritum) refers to a reward. By extension, it has also come to refer to actions that God chooses to reward. The doctrine of merit is thus the biblical doctrine of rewards under another name.
The Bible is clear that our actions in this life can affect the degree of reward we receive in heaven. Jesus told us: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is…
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