Christians must be able to distinguish salvation from spiritual growth. While it is true that salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ qualifies one to get to heaven, it is not enough to glorify God.
The New Testament era in which we live gives us three (3) commands to be able to attain spiritual maturity. They are study, run, and grow.
The first is Second Timothy 2:l5, saying “Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” Regular study of the Bible is necessary to please God. With enough knowledge, you will not feel ashamed before the Judgment Seat of Christ. And the Word of God should be applied in the right place, meaning it should not be mixed up. There is a proper place for every word of God. If this is followed, it is a sign of spiritual growth to be able to glorify God. And when God is glorified, the child of God will receive a heavenly reward. Salvation is a gift of God, while reward has to be earned with good deeds.
The second is in First Corinthians 9:24, saying “Do you not know that those running in the stadium indeed all run, but one receives a prize? So run that you may obtain.” This is the prize awaiting the growing Christian. It is running for good deeds.
The third is in Second Peter 3:18, saying “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Knowing the Lord Jesus fully is the result of spiritual growth. But many Christians would like to remain babies in the faith by not knowing fully the Lord Jesus. So how could they receive a heavenly reward? For instance, the Bible says that Jesus Christ is the “firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15), what does that mean?
Hence, Christians interested in the heavenly reward must answer the challenges for growth.
Theosomatism 