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We cannot earn salvation by performing righteous works. But true salvation always produces righteous works. Where righteousness is not being developed, where moral transformation is not taking place, no Divine redemption is occurring.

Revelation 22:12 is not referring to the strict observance of the Levitical statutes and ordinances as the work that earns the reward from Christ. Rather, the "work" of Revelation is referring to the type of Christian faithfulness of which Christ speaks so highly in Revelation, Chapters Two and Three.

For example: "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first" (Revelation 2:19). The works mentioned here have nothing to do with the observance of the Levitical statutes—that to which Paul was referring in Romans 4:4. Paul is speaking of our reward, in II Corinthians, Chapter Five—a surpassingly marvelous reward at that! Our mortal body will be clothed with a body of resurrection life. We shall reign with Christ from His throne at the right hand of the Almighty (Revelation 3:21) We shall inherit the "all things" of Revelation 21:7.

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward. (I Corinthians 3:14)

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23,24)

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (II John 1:8)

The house from Heaven is a reward for uncompromising faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the crown of incorruptible righteousness, glory, and life.

And every man that striveth for mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (I Corinthians 9:25)

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing. (II Timothy 4:8)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (I Peter 5:4)

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

Paul’s life was pointed straight as an arrow on a fully drawn bow. Paul’s target was the full knowledge of Christ—arrival at the resurrection from among the dead. Paul exhorts us to march along with him and not break rank. "Follow me," he cries, "as I follow Christ."

Paul already had been saved. Now he was seeking the full attainment of life! of righteousness! of glory! of fruitfulness! of authority and power!

Who will follow Paul as he follows Christ? Will you?
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