A picture of all people

The five-hundred year-old play Everyman is a picture of all people. Some balk at such a picture --

Then I heard [the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘[a]Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes, [blessed indeed],” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest and have relief from their labors, for their deeds do follow them.” - Revelation 14:13

Our Lord enthusiastically commends works done for the right reasons. Immediately after saying our salvation is not by works, Paul adds --

For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;  not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].  For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. - Ephesians 2:8-10

 Scripture ties God's reward-giving to His character --

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown for His name in ministering to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. - Hebrews 6:10

 The verses that follow tell us that if we are to inherit God's promised blessings we must not become lazy but diligent in our God-given works.

James repeatedly states that good works are essential to the Christian life --

Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. - James 3:13

God gives us eternal rewards for doing good works, persevering under persecution, showing compassion to the needy and treating our enemies kindly.   He also grants us rewards for generous giving --

Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money]to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me[becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” - Matthew 19:21

 We know Christ will say to some believers --

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ - Matthew 25:21

Not "well said," or "well believed," but "well done."  What separates the sheep from the goats is what they did and didn't do with their God-entrusted resources of time, money and possessions.

What a powerful encouragement this is to saints who sacrifice in this life to prepare for the next ---

Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by [a]doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin];11 for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you. - 2 Peter 1:10-11

Prosperity: Health and wealth

How did the King send His Son into this world? Born in lowly Bethlehem, raised in despised Nazareth, part of a pious but poor family that offered two doves because they could not afford a lamb, Christ wandered the countryside dependent on others to open their homes, because He didn't have one of His own.

Prosperity theology sees as our model the ascended heavenly Lord rather than the descended earthly servant.  Jesus warned His disciples not to follow a lordship model, but His own servant model.  In this life, we are to share in His cross -- in the next life we will share in His crown.

In verses that will never be embroidered, framed or posted on refrigerators, the King promised persecution, betrayal, flogging and being dragged before courts and tried for our faith.  He warned --

So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. - Luke 14:33

John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

The Prosperity Gospel Is Surprisingly Mainstream