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PROGRAM D-7888
I am giving you answers to your final, a preview of what will be on your final exam in Heaven. Now, I should explain that this final exam is for those who are Christ-followers and have been born from above through faith in Jesus. The Bible teaches that Christians will have a final exam in Heaven as we will each have to give an account to Jesus for how we used our resources while here on earth. The good news is that the Bible gives us some insight into what will be important on this final exam.
For example, one question will have to do with our motivation: Did you do what you did for Jesus?
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:3-4)
Jesus is talking about doing good for the right reasons—because we truly wanted to help others rather than trying to impress anyone. Jesus said we will be rewarded for that kind of generosity.
Again in that same chapter, Jesus says this:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)
Jesus said that those who give to the poor or pray and fast for public acknowledgement will get no reward in heaven for it, for they cared more for earthly rewards than for heavenly ones.
Here’s another question on the final exam: Did you love unlovable people; did you love your enemies?
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great. (Luke 6:35)
Got any unlovable people in your life right now? Maybe even some enemies who are deliberately trying to do you harm? If you can love them with the love of Jesus, you will do well on the final exam.