Great thread folks. Please remember there is a huge and very clear difference between Justification and Sanctification.
Justification is a free gift from God. It is our salvation and our assurance in Christ that we will indeed enter his kingdom. It is not by works, lest any man should boast.
Sanctification however, quite clearly is a life-long process that we must work hard at, empowered, led and taught by the Holy Ghost. Jesus calls these believers that follow him, overcomers and he promises many rewards to those that overcome.
Refer to the Letters to the Seven Churches in the opening chapters of Revelation in addition to the gospels - especially Matthew where Christ makes it very clear there are rewards on offer for those that bear particular fruit. This reward, actually "inheriting" the Kingdom as contrasted with simply "entering" the Kingdom is Christ allowing the overcomers to rule & reign with Him.
Paul was paranoid that he must push onto the mark of the high-calling, that even after all the fruit he has borne, he might lose his own reward. He's very clear on this. See 1 Cor 9:24-27
Now, don't confuse this. He is not talking about losing his salvation - his justification. No, he is talking about the rewards Christ offers those believers who are willing to die to self, take up their cross and follow him daily.
I think a lot of folks may be quite surprised upon reaching Heaven.
Don't take my word for it. Be a Berean and search it out yourself.
