Kevin DeYoung: There Are No Variable Eternal Rewards In Heaven

I was surprised to read that, unlike many (most?) Reformed theologians, Pastor Kevin DeYoung, in his Daily Doctrine book, argues against variable eternal rewards for Christians in heaven. He writes:

Does the Bible teach the doctrine of variable eternal rewards? We know there will be different degrees of punishment. It will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than in the cities where Jesus performed his miracles (Luke 10:10-14). But what about eternal rewards? Will some people have more crowns? Will some of us have big mansions and others small apartments? Will some believers have a capacity for joy that is bigger than others? Though many (most?) Reformed theologians past and present disagree with me on this matter, I want to make the case that the Bible does not teach the doctrine of variable eternal rewards. (1) Rewards, yes; variable rewards, no. There is one reward: eternal life with Christ. This gift is described in many different ways, but the images and vocabulary describe the same reward, not different levels of reward.

Let me make the case against variable rewards by looking at the big picture, by noting a few specific passages, and by making a final argument from reason.

First, the big picture. The longest, fullest description of heaven - the glorious picture found in Revelation 21-22 - contains nothing about variable rewards. There is no hint that some believers experience a better version of eternal life than others. This point is made even more explicitly in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16). Grace is the operative principle in the kingdom, not merit. You are either in or you are out. And once you are in, your reward is not any more or less than anyone else who is in.  

 

Second, a few specific passages. The promised rewards in Revelation 2-3 are not variable rewards, but the same reward of eternal life with Christ described in different ways to match the trial each church is facing. Likewise, the five different crowns mentioned in the New Testament all refer to eternal life. And the parable of the talents (or minas) is about kingdom opportunities, not about heavenly rewards. While we may have different opportunities and gifts on earth, each faithful servant receives the same commendation ("well done") and the same reward ("enter into the joy of your master"). Finally, the "loss" that the believer experiences at the judgment in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 is not the loss of eternal rewards, but the realization that his work was not as profitable as he thought. Some of us will be pleasantly surprised when our works are judged; others will suffer loss. But this unique experience on judgment day does not entail a perpetual hierarchy in heaven.  

 

Third, an argument from reason. Proponents of the doctrine are quick to say that we won't have regret or jealousy in heaven when we view the rewards of others. In fact, someone's greater reward will only increase our sense of happiness as we rejoice in their reward with them. But this line of thinking undermines the very incentive rewards are supposed to offer. If we are all wondrously happy, but some are more wondrously happy than others, but that just makes us happy too, then what difference did the reward really make? Either the rewards are variable and some believers - because of their works on earth - experience a better eternal life than others, or everyone in heaven is perfectly happy all the time, in which case we should think twice about whether the doctrine matters at all. (Pages 357-358)

(1) Influential in my thinking has been the article by Blomberg, "Degrees of Reward in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 159-72.

I think I may be persuaded! Jesus is our reward! Come Lord Jesus! Come quickly! 

God And The Gospel

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