The Grace Theology Press (GTP) is committed to producing biblical and theological resources that proclaim a clear gospel message regarding justification by faith alone. We are also committed to producing resources for a life of sanctification that involves faithfulness. We are proud to offer a totally revised study edition of the classic work of Dr. Joe Wall entitled Going for the Gold.

Dr. Dave Anderson (PhD), President of Grace School of Theology, has endorsed this new work saying: “Going for the Gold is the most thorough treatment of the doctrine of rewards I have ever read. Not only does Dr. Wall lay out the various passages on the bema, the Judgment Seat of Christ, but he has a thorough treatment of the relationship of suffering to rewards. I would suggest that 50% of our motivation for the Christian life comes from our gratitude for what Christ has done for us on the cross. But the other 50% comes from anticipation of what it will be like to glorify Christ in the next life. When we try to have a victorious Christian life without a sufficient understanding of the doctrine of rewards, it would seem to me we are missing half the motivation for walking according to the Spirit instead of walking according to the flesh. Dr. Wall’s book does a masterful job of unwrapping the wonderful promises in God’s Word concerning the future that awaits the faithful Christian when Christ returns. This is a must read for anyone looking for more motivation for walking close to our Savior, especially on a path wrought with both deserved and undeserved suffering.

Hear the words of Dr. Joe wall as he describes…

A SCENE IN HEAVEN

The scene is breathtaking. You have died, and the Lord has come for those who believe in Him. You have been joined to your resurrection body and now stand in the presence of your glorious Savior, the matchless Lord of the church, the absolute Monarch of the entire creation.  

Your life flashes before you with three-dimensional vividness and stereophonic clarity (1 Corinthians 3:13). Your beloved Lord publicly sets the record straight. All the false accusations, lies, and unfair criticisms you received in life are exposed for what they really were, full vindication at last (Romans 14:6-12; 1 Corinthians 4:3, 5; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10)! Jesus then examines all that you have said, thought, and done in the light of your purposes and motives. Why did you do that? Why didn’t you do this? (Romans 14:12). His fiery eye reveals the true value of all that you have brought before Him (Revelation 1:14; 1 Corinthians 3:13).  

You are awestruck and defenseless as you hear Jesus’ declaration of all that is worthless and sinful, and you are pierced with a deep sense of shame (1 John 2:28). Your true spiritual maturity in life is examined, and He decrees the kind of welcome you will experience when you enter His glorious kingdom (2 Peter 1:11).  

You are commended publicly for your faithful service (Matthew 25:21) and for your public loyalty to Him (Luke 12:8, 9). Then He awards you incorruptible symbols of honor that are accompanied with the announcement of your responsibilities in Jesus’ glorious eternal kingdom. Because Jesus Himself is ultimately the source of all that is good in your life, He is glorified by every honor He bestows on you.  

You have just been through the judgment seat (bema) of Christ.

If the topic of Christian rewards and accountability is of interest to you, I enthusiastically encourage you to order a copy of this totally revised study edition of Going for the Gold.

Serving Him with you until He comes for us,
Fred Chay, PhD
Managing Editor, Grace Theology Press