A number of clear contrasts between the two appear in Scripture. Salvation is for the lost, Matt. 18:11, while rewards are for the saved, Prov. 13:13. The salvation offered to all who believe is the same for everyone, Acts 16:31; Heb. 10:39, while rewards will differ, Rev. 22:12. Salvation is a free gift, Isa. 55:1; Rom. 6:23, but rewards are earned, 1 Cor. 3:8. Salvation is received in the present, John 5:24; rewards are to be received in the future, Matt. 16:27.
When the day for rewards has come, fire will test every man’s work. All that survives will be rewarded, and salvation will not be affected, 1 Cor. 3:11-15. Every man will have praise of God, 1 Cor. 4:5. Keeping the precepts of Scripture has always brought great reward, Psa. 19:11.
Christ spoke of rewards as being in heaven, Matt. 5:12. He will bring them with Him at His return, Rev. 22:12. A reward is to be given even for the offering of a cup of cold water, Matt. 10:42. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, Heb. 11:6. It is a worthy motive to serve Him with the promised rewards in view. Even Moses “had respect unto the recompense of the reward,” Heb. 11:26. All believers are encouraged to have full confidence in the fulfillment of everything God has promised, Heb. 10: 35-37; Prov. 11:18.
William Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible, (Chicago: Bible Institute Colportage Assoc., 1912), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 314.