The Bible clearly states that Christians are required to do good works, as a reflection of their calling and responsibility. Jesus Himself declares in Luke 12:48 that to whom much is given, much will be required, emphasizing the accountability of those who have received extensive exposure to God's Word. While works cannot justify us before God, they are essential as evidence of belief and repentance, necessary even before baptism, though they do not erase past sins. Sanctification, a process distinct from justification, involves intense work over the course of a Christian's life, as they yield to the purpose of the Father and Son. Hebrews 12:14 urges the pursuit of holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, highlighting that works during sanctification are crucial for preparing to live in God's Kingdom. These works, enabled by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, are the sure sign of conversion, producing fruit that glorifies God, as Jesus states in John 15:8. God is not unaware of the efforts made in sanctification. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that God is well pleased with sacrifices of doing good and sharing, despite their imperfections, much like parents are pleased by their children's sincere efforts. I John 3:22 further encourages that keeping His commandments and doing what is pleasing in His sight brings answers to our prayers. These works, though lacking power to justify, are required as a witness to the Christian's character before the judgment seat of Christ. If a Christian does not work, there will be no evidence for God to judge, proving they are not prepared for His Kingdom. A faith without works is dead, as stated in James 2:17, and sanctification, through works, perfects faith, bringing it to completion. The lack of such evidence indicates one does not belong in God's Kingdom, underscoring the necessity of works in the Christian life.

God desires for us to focus on the promise of reward, which holds deep significance beyond mere recognition. Reward, as defined in Scripture, encompasses wages or payment for what one has done, whether good or bad. It is not necessary to perform grand deeds to receive the reward He wishes to bestow; rather, He encourages us to strive and overcome to the best of our ability. By doing so, we bring greater honor to Him, and the greater the reward we receive, the more service we can render to Him and others. God Himself was Abraham's reward, promising all that He is—His instructions, His way of life, His mind, His protection, and His help in times of need. As Abraham's children, we too can claim this promise, knowing that everything God is, He will give to us as our exceedingly great reward, leading to a marvelous eternal life and future. Salvation is a free gift, but a good reward comes from our good works, and thus He urges us to put forth the effort. Rewards are also tailored to our abilities, as God knows our talents and grants us what we can handle. He has called us based on our capacity and empowered us to fulfill our roles, leaving us without excuse. These rewards include positions of ruling and teaching in the Kingdom, addressing the tremendous needs of a world that must be rebuilt and a people spiritually famished. Within various groups, rewards will reflect the degree of effort and overcoming, ranging from exceptional to below average, yet all are encouraged to strive for the finest reward possible. To receive these rewards, along with His gifts and promises, we must play our part by overcoming and producing right moral character. This involves regaining our first love, holding fast to truth, rejecting compromise and false teaching, strengthening the weak, and ensuring we are not lukewarm. Building godly character is what captures His attention and fulfills the reason for our calling. If we do our part, He is faithful to provide the gifts, promises, and rewards, guiding us through difficult times ahead, ensuring that nothing separates us from His love and purpose.

In the context of the regeneration, which signifies the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of those who died in Him, and the restoring of God's Kingdom to earth, the concept of works and reward holds significant importance. Reward is something given for efforts or works made in behalf of a divine enterprise. Jesus makes it clear that though God is willing to reward us for what we do, we are not to expect payment now; instead, we must look forward to the regeneration for our reward. We may receive blessings along the way, but our commitment to Him must be in faith, not for immediate gain, but with the expectation that after performing the will of God, there will be something for what we have given. Good works, as revealed by God, are not possible until we are led by His Spirit, for they are a product of our relationship with Him, beginning only after He calls us and reveals Himself. Their primary purpose is not to save us but to build godly character and prepare us for His Kingdom by writing His law in our hearts through lived experience. Works also serve to give evidence of our faith, demonstrating a living faith that acts, rather than a dead faith that merely professes intellectual knowledge. Additionally, works witness to the world that our God is God, showing through our actions that we are changing because of Him. Furthermore, these works glorify God, bringing honor to His name as we represent His family well, being duty-bound to honor Him with our entire personality by doing good works. Lastly, works form the basis of future reward, held in reserve until the resurrection at the return of Christ. Having beautiful attitudes, which are under our control through conscious choices to submit to God's rule, are considered works and are associated with reward. Even if our work is not as good as it could be, God in His mercy still saves us, yet the quality of our work is tested through trials to encourage our wholehearted giving to Him. Thus, while works cannot earn salvation, those truly led by God's Spirit will, out of faith and love for Him, bend every effort to yield to His creative powers, overcoming the pull of this world through their actions.