Grace in Focus Podcast Summary

Episode: Can Our Pre-Salvation Works Influence Our Eternal Rewards?
Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Grace Evangelical Society (Bob Wilkin & Sam Marr)

Main Theme & Purpose

This concise episode tackles a listener question about Free Grace theology: Can the works we do before becoming born-again Christians influence our eternal rewards? Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr explore how pre-salvation actions affect one’s ability to serve Christ after salvation, drawing on scriptural principles, biblical examples (notably, the Apostle Paul), and personal testimony. The hosts clarify key distinctions between justification, sanctification, and the doctrine of eternal rewards.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Framing the Listener Question [01:09]

• Sam Marr (B) reads the question:
  “Can a person who believes in the free gift of everlasting life, but comes to faith late in life, still have their pre-salvation good works influence their eternal reward? In other words, can you store up rewards in heaven before you’re born again?”

Scriptural Foundations and the Principle of Reaping & Sowing [01:45]

• Bob Wilkin (C) notes there’s not a specific Bible verse that directly answers the question, but points to the principle in Galatians 6:7:
  “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
• Everyone is judged according to their works — in this life and the life to come.

Physical & Practical Impact of Pre-Salvation Life [02:30]

• Pre-salvation actions shape the abilities and circumstances believers bring into their Christian life:
  • Negative Example: A drug addict who damages their body and mind pre-conversion may face limitations in post-conversion service.
  • Positive Example: Someone who is disciplined, educated, and maintains their health before coming to faith may serve more effectively.
• Quote:
  “What we do before we come to faith can either enhance our ability to serve Christ after we come to faith or diminish it.” — Bob Wilkin [02:45]

God’s Grace Can Override Pre-Salvation Consequences [04:55]

• God may graciously empower believers to overcome significant pre-salvation setbacks.
  • Joni Eareckson Tada’s story: Paralyzed at 17, yet had a powerful ministry, possibly enhanced because of her disability.

Bottom Line on the Principle:

• The deeds before salvation do not themselves earn reward, but they may influence capacity for reward-earning service after salvation.

The Apostle Paul as a Case Study [05:25]

• Sam introduces Saul/Paul as a compelling example:
  • Paul’s pre-salvation zeal and scholarship enabled him to become an effective apostle, even though he initially persecuted Christians.
  • “What he did before he was born again clearly impacted what he did after he was born again, right?” — Sam Marr [06:04]
• Bob agrees, noting Paul’s background as a scholar and persecutor sharpened his impact as an apostle:
  “Part of the reason [Paul was so effective] is his experience before he came to faith.” [07:52]

Reconciling Good & Bad Pre-Salvation Works [08:00]

• Sam raises the tension: If pre-salvation actions count toward reward, what about all the wrong Paul did before faith?
• Bob clarifies:
  “I’m not suggesting that something that any unbeliever did before they came to Christ, they’re going to be rewarded for that. ... I think it’s from the time we come to faith till the time we die.” [08:48]
  • However, pre-salvation choices affect one's capacity and circumstances for serving after conversion, which in turn influences reward.

Theological Nuance: Forgiven but Not Without Consequence [09:19]

• Salvation erases guilt, but not the earthly or physical consequences of sin.
• “Being born again doesn’t immediately just make those things go away. Those things still are going to plague you.” — Sam Marr [09:19]

Personal Testimony: Bob Wilkin’s Own Journey [09:43]

• Bob shares his own pre-conversion experience in “a work salvation, sinless perfection, holiness group” which made the grace of God “blow my mind.”
• His legalistic background fueled his passion for the Free Grace message post-conversion, echoing Paul’s story.

Final Words to the Listener: Hope, Encouragement, and Perspective [12:10]

• Sam: “You can still live a life pleasing to God and He’s going to reward you and judge you and view you based on what you’ve been given and what you have. … You can’t go back. So go forward and please God, because what we want Him to say is, Well done, good and faithful servant.” [12:10, 12:34]
• Core takeaway: Pre-salvation works don’t earn reward, but neither do they permanently disqualify believers from pleasing and serving God.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What we do before we come to faith can either enhance our ability to serve Christ after we come to faith or diminish it.” — Bob Wilkin [02:45]
• “I’m not suggesting that something that any unbeliever did before they came to Christ, they’re going to be rewarded for that. Maybe they will, but I don’t think so. I think it’s from the time we come to faith till the time we die.” — Bob Wilkin [08:48]
• “Being born again doesn’t immediately just make those things go away. Those things still are going to plague you.” — Sam Marr [09:19]
• “You can’t go back. So go forward and please God, because what we want Him to say is, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” — Bob Wilkin [12:34]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:09] Listener question: Do pre-salvation works affect eternal rewards?
• [02:45] Principle of reaping and sowing explained
• [05:25] Discussion of Paul/Saul’s background and its influence
• [08:00] Clarification of pre-salvation works and rewards
• [09:43] Personal testimony: Bob's legalistic background and Free Grace passion
• [12:10] Concluding encouragements and takeaways

Tone & Presentation

• The discussion is warm, thoughtful, and honest, maintaining a conversational teaching style rooted in biblical analysis and practical theology. The hosts build up listeners and avoid judgmental language, emphasizing God’s grace and the new beginning available at salvation.

Summary

Pre-salvation works do not themselves earn eternal rewards, but the choices made before coming to faith in Christ affect a believer’s capacity to serve and earn rewards afterward. While God’s grace can overcome the consequences of past actions, every believer is encouraged to make the most of their current circumstances and grow in service to Christ, assured they’ll be judged fairly based on what they were given and what they did post-conversion. The message is one of hope, redemption, and forward momentum in the Christian life.