It is often difficult for Christians to get past the idea that those who have given themselves to the Lord should be treated a little better than the average woman or man who does not possess a living faith. In other words, there ought to be some kind of return for what you have done for God, for what you have given in time, energy and money. That doesn't sound outrageous, does it? In this "you get what you deserve" world, you really ought to be rewarded. Harmless as that sounds, it is the first step toward a theology of glory.

The theology of glory is a big thing on the religious scene today. But it sounds better than it is. The theology of glory suggests that if you are really a Christian (and you ought to be able to dig up some kind of "proof" that you are), then things are almost cert…