The word “recompense” appears numerous times throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. At its core, recompense refers to repayment or reward for something that has been done. In the biblical context, recompense often has to do with God rewarding righteous behavior and punishing unrighteous behavior. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key aspects of recompense as presented in Scripture.
God’s Recompense for Righteousness
In many passages, the Bible speaks of how God will recompense or reward those who do what is right and live according to His commands. For example, Hebrews 11 highlights the faith of many Old Testament figures, and verse 6 says that “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Here we see that God rewards faith and seeking after Him. Another example is Proverbs 11:18, which says that “one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.” Sowing righteousness here refers to living an upright, moral life, which God promises to reward.
The Bible also speaks of God rewarding His people for remaining faithful through trials and persecutions. James 1:12 states: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” This verse and others point to God recompensing believers for persevering under difficult circumstances. Their reward is eternal life and victory through Jesus Christ.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus speaks about a master who entrusted his servants with money (talents) to invest while he was gone. When the master returns, he rewards the servants who invested wisely and gained more talents, but he punishes the servant who simply hid the talent he had been given. Here we see an example of God rewarding faithfulness, industry, and good stewardship of what He has blessed us with.
God’s Recompense for Unrighteousness
In contrast to rewarding the righteous, the Bible also contains many verses about God recompensing the wicked for their unrighteousness. Often this recompense comes in the form of punishment, destruction, or discipline for those who disobey God and reject His ways. For example, Isaiah 3:11 warns that “the wicked will receive their desserts” (NLT). That is, they will be repaid or recompensed according to their wickedness. In Jeremiah, the people are warned that if they continue to backslide and embrace idolatry, God will “recompense their deeds to them” (Jeremiah 5:29). This recompense came in the form of the Babylonian captivity.
The book of Romans specifically ties God’s recompense to the final judgment: “For he will render to every man according to his works…There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil…but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good…” (Romans 2:6,9-10). Here we clearly see recompense in the sense of final rewards and punishment meted out at the judgment seat of Christ based on what each person has done in life.
One of the clearest statements on God’s recompense for the wicked is 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9: “God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” This passage speaks powerfully of God’s justice and His recompense against those who afflict believers and reject the gospel.
Why Does Recompense Matter?
Given how prominently the theme of recompense shows up in Scripture, why does it matter so much? What are some of the key reasons and implications of God’s recompense that we should keep in mind?
First, God’s promise to recompense the righteous should encourage believers to keep doing what is right and living according to God’s Word (2 Tim 4:8). Even when living righteously is difficult, we can persevere knowing our reward is with God. Secondly, the promise of recompense for unrighteousness should lead both believers and unbelievers to repent and return to God’s ways (2 Peter 3:9). God does not want anyone to face His wrath, so He patiently waits, giving opportunities to repent. Thirdly, passages on recompense remind us that God cares deeply about justice and will ultimately right every wrong. Injustice often seems to prevail in this age, but in eternity true justice will prevail through God’s recompense (Rev. 21:4).
Fourthly, recompense affirms God’s role as a righteous judge over all human affairs. All people will have to stand before Him and give an account (Heb. 4:13). This should instill holy fear and awe. Fifthly, the promise of recompense gives meaning and purpose to our lives. Our choices and actions have eternal significance because God remembers and will reward or punish accordingly (Heb 6:10). Finally, the reality of coming recompense should motivate generous, compassionate living now, since we reap what we sow (2 Cor. 9:6). As we show mercy to others, we can trust God to show mercy to us in the final recompense (Matt. 5:7).
Old Testament Examples of Recompense
The Old Testament contains several stories that illustrate the theme of God’s recompense, whether for good or for evil:
- Joseph – After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph remained faithful to God. Eventually he rose to power in Egypt and was able to rescue his family from famine. This story demonstrates God’s ability to recompense and reward those who remain faithful through trials (Genesis 37-50).
- Ruth – As a Moabite widow, Ruth remained faithful to her mother-in-law Naomi and to the God of Israel. She found a new husband in Boaz, giving birth to Obed who became the grandfather of King David. Ruth’s loyalty and faithfulness was recompensed by God (Book of Ruth).
- David and Bathsheba – After committing adultery and essentially murdering Bathsheba’s husband Uriah, David was recompensed by God through the death of the child conceived illegitimately. However, once David repented, God showed mercy and granted Solomon to inherit David’s kingdom (2 Samuel 11-12).
- Ahab and Jezebel – The wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were recompensed for their evil, ranging from idolatry to murder. Jezebel was killed and dogs licked up her blood, while Ahab died in battle just as God’s prophet Micaiah had prophesied (1 Kings 18-22).
These examples and many others demonstrate how seriously God takes recompense, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked under the old covenant.
New Testament Examples of Recompense
Jesus expands the scope of recompense in the New Testament, teaching that it involves heavenly rewards from God rather than merely earthly blessings and curses.
- Parables of Jesus – Stories like the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant portray God’s recompense in terms of eternal rewards based on our faithfulness and obedience (Matthew 18:21-35, 25:14-30).
- Book of Revelation – This book depicts the final recompense and judgment before God’s throne. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will receive their eternal reward and inheritance, while those not found in the book will be punished (Revelation 20:11-15).
- Recompense for Persecution – Jesus teaches that those who suffer persecution for His Name’s sake will receive a “great reward” in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12). The souls under the altar in Revelation had been recompensed for their martyrdom in this way (Revelation 6:9-11).
- Crown of Life – This is a key New Testament term for the final reward believers will receive when Jesus returns (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10). It refers to the abundant, eternal life and victory granted to the righteous.
Jesus makes it clear that God’s recompense is not merely temporal but has eternal implications, promising us rewards in heaven that cannot be taken away.
How Should We Respond to Recompense?
In light of the biblical theme of recompense, how should believers think about and respond to this important truth?
First, we can find great encouragement in God’s promise to recompense all we have done for His Kingdom. As Jesus said, even giving a cup of water in His name will not lose its reward (Mark 9:41). We can serve God diligently knowing nothing we do in faith is in vain or overlooked.
Secondly, the promise of recompense for unrighteousness should instill a holy fear of the Lord in us and draw us to repentance. We know that God is perfectly just and will deal with sin. So we should examine our hearts and lives to root out every area that falls short of His standards.
Thirdly, our hope should be fixed on the glorious reward Christ has secured for us through His life, death, and resurrection. The recompense we look forward to is an eternity enjoying the blessings of God’s presence because of what Jesus did for us. Our recompense is made possible only through God’s grace.
Fourthly, we can rejoice knowing that no injustice will ultimately go unpunished. The truth of recompense means evil will not have the final say or triumph over good. God will have the final word.
Finally, believing in coming recompense should lead us to generously share the gospel with others while we still can. We want as many people as possible to gain entrance to eternal life rather than face divine wrath (2 Peter 3:9). The promise of recompense should give us a sense of urgency in reaching the lost.
Conclusion
In summary, the biblical theme of recompense is multifaceted but centers on God rewarding righteous behavior and punishing unrighteousness, both in this life and ultimately on judgment day. earthly blessings, while the New Testament focuses more on heavenly rewards. God’s justice and mercy meet at the cross, where His recompense was poured out on Christ. As we put our faith in Jesus alone for salvation, we can look forward to the glorious recompense of eternal life when He returns to make all things new.