The Doctrine of Surpassing Grace (SG3)

I. Definition and Preliminary Considerations
A. Surpassing Grace (SG3) refers to the special blessings and rewards for the believer in eternity (Phase 3), which are above and beyond the universal blessings for believers.
B. The nomenclature is taken from Eph 2:7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus
C. Universal blessings include:
1. a resurrection body, like that of Christ 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.
2. the total absence of pain, crying, sorrow, tears, or death Rev 21:4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.
3. experiencing the presence of the Lord, face to face Phi 1:23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better
D. Some believers will not receive SG3, but only the normal blessings of heaven. 1Cor 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.
E. Each believer will be rewarded based on his total Divine Good Production in time (Ph2), no matter how large or small the application(s). Mt 10:42 And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward

II. Synonyms for SG3 in Scripture include:
A. treasure Mt 6:19-21 indicates desirability of reward
B. gold, silver, precious stones 1Cor 3:12 different levels for different applications
C. glory 2Cor 4:17 SG3 is the sign of our application during our lives
D. righteousness Gal 5:5 it is because of the application of righteous acts that we receive SG3
E. eternal life Gal 6:8 never ending happiness and blessing
F. hope Col 1:5 because of faith, we confidently expect reward
G. prize Col 2:18 based on acceptable performance under testing
H. crown/ wreath 2Tim 4:8 a special reward based on a completed Christian life; faithfulness until death or the Rapture
I. a better possession Heb 10:34 far above anything in this life
J. better resurrection Heb 11:35 above and beyond blessing in Ph3
K. inheritance 1Pet 1:4 the nature of a gift from our Father
L. reward Rev 22:12 recompense for our deeds under the FHS

III. The Judgement Seat of Christ (BEMA) is the place of administration of SG3 to the Royal Family. 2Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. cp 1Cor 3:11-15

IV. SG3 totally surpasses anything this world has to offer. 1Cor 2:9 but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.

V. The wreath (commonly known as the crown) represents the supreme category of SG3 the Lord bestows upon believers.
A. Paul relates it to finishing ones course. 2Tim 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
B. Not everyone will receive a crown. In fact, the prize can be forfeited via negative volition. 1Cor 9:24-27 ; Rev 3:11 I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
C. This crown ( Greek ste,fanoj , not dia,dhma ) is called by four names:
1. the crown of life Jam 1:12; Rev 2:10
2. the crown of righteousness 2Tim 4:8
3. the crown of glory 1Pet 5:4
4. the crown of boasting/ exultation 1Th 2:19

VI. The incredible nature of SG3 is such that it will more than surpass the nature of any suffering we may face in Ph2. 2 Cor 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison

VII. Giving to meet the needs of others results in SG3. Phi 4:17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

VIII. Testing is a basis for SG3. 1Pet 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

IX. Shame awaits those who fail to attain to full SG3. 1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh (STA) shall from the flesh reap corruption (loss), but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life; Gal 5:23