An Investigation into the motif of works and reward in the letters to the seven churches of Revelation

Abstract

The emphasis of works and reward in the letters to the seven churches of Revelation is understood differently by various scholars. While the occurrences of e;rgon in the book of Revelation reaches twenty, however 60 percent of these occurrences are concentrated only in Rev 2 and 3. Twenty apocalyptic imagery of rewards also appeared in these two chapters. The relation of works with the promised reward has also raised theological problems. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the role of works and reward motif in the letters to the seven churches of Revelation. Does the works and reward motif suggest salvation by works? What kind of works and reward is John talking about? However, based on the theological analysis of these letters, the good works did not initiate the salvation of the believers, but they are evidences of faith-love-saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. They reflect that Christ is the Lord of their lives. In the contrary, the bad works are evidences of that Caesar or a different lord is the master of those who did the bad works. On the other hand, the rewards are eschatological in nature. Thus, receiving the rewards is the same as receiving eternal life. Losing them is equivalent to losing eternal life. Therefore, even though the works and reward motif does not suggest salvation by works, it suggests that judgment is according to works and encourages or fosters accountability and holy living. It emphasizes that Jesus is the Lord and saviour of the believer’s life.