No longer will this blue marble have a monopoly on the populace. And just as earth and heaven will be composed of entirely opposite groups of people, so they will represent totally variant events. The two worlds will be as different as any two societies have ever been. Let's see what will be going on in these two divergent worlds in the years that separate the two stages of Jesus' return. An Awards Ceremony.
Few scenes are as touching and heartwarming as the awards presentations at the Olympic games.
We can all recall specific athletes and their reactions as they received their medal and then proudly turned to gaze upon their country's flag as the national anthem was played. Soon after Jesus has called His people together with a shout and a trumpet blast, this presentation of rewards will begin in heaven. The medalists earn the prize, while those who lose must step aside with the realization that they have not gained the reward. They are still members of their Olympic teams, of course, but they have suffered loss. Any works that were done with a selfish motivation will perish in the fire just as wood, hay, and stubble are consumed.