Christian Prize

Question: Can you please explain what Paul means by running a race in order to win the prize in 1 Cor 9:24-27?

Answer:

Paul is talking here about rewards which will be given to all believers in heaven. When the Bible writers use figures of speech we have to be careful not to always interpret it literally. It will lead to major Hermeneutical problems. Usually, the figure of speech highlights certain truths.We have to be careful not to draw anything more than what the writer intended.

Paul compares the Christian life to a race. The prize here is referring to the rewards in store for us. So just as an athlete trains himself, endures hardships and disciplines his body to win the race in the same way Paul expects Christians to work for their rewards. Our salvation is a free gift; we do not earn it. It is freely available to all of us who have trusted in Christ. But the Bible teaches that we have to earn our rewards. On the basis of our life here on earth the Lord will evaluate us and distribute rewards accordingly. If the athlete works so hard for a perishable crown how much more we as Christians need to work in order to earn an imperishable crown! It should motivate us to work for God's kingdom and live a life that honours Him because we will be rewarded accordingly. Every sacrifice we make for God, every good deed or act of kindness is being noticed. While the Bible is not very clear about the nature of rewards we can be sure that God has something special in store for us. So we have to persevere in the race of life with the expectation that we will be rewarded one day!