In this next installment of the Does God Hate the Rich? series, Dr. Charles Cooper defines what Jesus meant by “treasure in heaven” and clarifies how it differs from salvation. Through Matthew 19:21 and related passages, Dr. Cooper explains that treasure in heaven is the eternal reward and status granted by God the Father to believers who live in faithful allegiance to Christ. These rewards are not symbolic or sentimental—they represent rulership, honor, and joy in the coming Kingdom. Jesus’ call to the rich young ruler was not a demand for poverty but an invitation to transfer trust—from earthly security to eternal inheritance. Dr. Cooper exposes the divine “investment seminar” behind Jesus’ words, showing that sacrifice, service, suffering, and stewardship are the currencies that yield everlasting dividends in God’s economy.
Dr. Charles Cooper presents Jesus’ “investment seminar” to the rich young ruler, teaching that heaven’s treasure is eternal compensation for earthly obedience. Salvation is by grace alone, but rewards must be earned through faithfulness. Cooper dismantles common misconceptions about treasure in heaven, emphasizing that Jesus was not describing mansions, perks, or a celestial economy—but divine honor, rulership, and joy in the coming Kingdom.
Treasure in Heaven = Reward and Status. It refers to honor and position granted by God in Christ’s Kingdom—not salvation but reward for loyalty.
Treasure is Singular. Jesus promised the treasure in heaven, meaning the comprehensive blessing of Kingdom participation.
Treasure Is Earned, Not Credited. Salvation imputes righteousness; reward recognizes righteousness lived out.
Treasure is secured through:
These are not symbolic but measurable acts of faithfulness that God rewards with tangible, eternal outcomes.
Reigning with Christ: Throne participation and authority (Rev 2–3, 20).
Public Honor: Divine recognition and glory before all creation.
Greater Joy & Responsibility: Sharing in “the joy of your Master.”
Heavenly Inheritance: An imperishable, unfading portion reserved in heaven (1 Pet 1:4).
Literal Crowns: Rewards such as the crowns of life, righteousness, and victory (1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4).
Dr. Cooper emphasizes that the absence of reward will also be visible, marking those who wasted their stewardship.
The rich young ruler wanted kingdom glory without sacrifice. Jesus invited him to trade temporary wealth for eternal rulership, but he walked away sad. His story reminds believers that the price of faithfulness is temporary, while the reward is eternal.
Treasure in heaven is eternal compensation for earthly obedience.
It represents God’s approval, measured in rulership, honor, joy, and intimacy with Christ. No price is too great to pay for the lasting reward of loyalty to Jesus. Those who invest generously, serve faithfully, and suffer willingly will experience the fullness of Kingdom life—not just presence in the Kingdom, but participation in its reign.
00:00 – The neglected but thrilling doctrine of rewards
00:31 – What is “treasure in heaven”? (Matt 19:21)
01:33 – Treasure defined: reward and status in God’s Kingdom
03:05 – Not mansions or perks—true reward is honor and rulership
04:22 – Difference between salvation and reward
05:02 – Treasure as Kingdom blessing for faithful disciples
06:09 – Participation in Christ’s future reign
07:22 – Discipleship and generosity as eternal investment
09:28 – Rewards tied to sacrifice, service, suffering, stewardship
13:41 – Not all believers inherit the same glory
15:30 – The rich young ruler’s fatal miscalculation
17:33 – Rewards defined: reigning, glory, honor, intimacy
20:09 – The joy that motivated Christ and will reward believers
22:56 – Heavenly inheritance and eternal compensation
25:07 – The three crowns: life, righteousness, victory
27:05 – Securing treasure through generosity, sacrifice, service
28:48 – The cost of eternal glory and the danger of loss
31:18 – Faithfulness determines Kingdom participation
33:20 – How treasure can be lost
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 19:21, 29
Luke 19:17
Luke 22:33
1 Timothy 6:18-19
Matthew 25:14-30
Matthew 5:11-12
Revelation 2-3, 20
1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 9:24-27
2 Corinthians 2:9-10
1 Peter 1:4; 5:4
Hebrews 12:2
Week 7 of the Does God Hate the Rich? series:
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