Perhaps some of you Biblical scholars can help clarify a small issue that my men's Bible study class is currently debating with.

The message of parable of the workers in the vineyard is clear. No matter how long and hard you have labored - you will receive the same reward as those who come to accept Him "late in the game."

This would seem to contradict other writings in 2nd Corinthians and other Pauline books that imply that we will be rewarded in heaven in proportion to our deeds ( if done out of love for Christ ) here on earth.


HELP !!!!

This particular parable deals with the "reward" of Salvation. It is a message which says we are not saved by how hard or how long we work, we are saved through faith by the grace of God. Those who come to a saving faith at the end of their life will be saved the same way as those who come to faith very early in life.

I hope this helps.

Dear Steve

I (we) understand the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Our "issue" is the apparent contradition with this concept and the following verses that seem to imply otherwise:

Rom.2:16 - In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Rev.20:12 - And I (John) saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Matt.16:27 - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he (Jesus Christ) shall reward every man according to his works.

Rom.2:6 - Who (God) will render to every man according to his deeds:

II Cor.5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Rev.2:23 - And I (Jesus Christ) will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

I need help in reconciling these scriptures with the message of the workers in the vineyard.

Brad - You are making a mistake in trying to reconcile these scriptures with the parable of the workers because the parable has nothing to do with rewards in Heaven. As I said, the parable is about Salvation. It becomes a separate discussion (one worthy to pursue) of what it means to have rewards in Heaven and how our works play into those rewards, but don't try to tie them back to this particular parable.

I should add that sometimes judgement is tied to works in the sense that what we do (good or bad) defines who we are. Works never earn Salvation, but they often define the condition of our heart.

A great passage on the judgement of works for the believer is:

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

Remember, this is for the believer - one who has built on the foundation of Christ.

[This message was edited by Steve T. on February 04, 2003 at 08:05 AM.]

Thanks for the clarification!

The parable of the vineyard does indicate that all believers will have the reward of eternal life in heaven. However, we also have ample proof in the scriptures that there will be differing rewards in the sense that there will be different positions there. It seems that the fallen angels had positions of authority in heaven. The saved of earth will take over that work and literally "reign" with Jesus in heaven. All will not have equal responsibilities, however. Some have shown by their devotion and by making the best use of what little they may have in this world to serve others, and they may have a higher place. There will be no jealously in heaven, however. All will be grateful just to be there.
This is my understanding; I hope it helps you.

God bless you as you study and grow in Him.