Transformation: Did Lee Miss the Point?

[OBW]

Originally Posted by Igzy

Another issue I take with Lee's view of transformation is that he saw it as some kind of requirement for gaining a reward--as if to grow to be full grown was required before one could be "harvested." He used this to justify his view of multiple raptures.

But although the Bible encourages us to grow, I don't see the direct connection between growth and being rewarded. Reward is based on works and living. Growth is a consequence of work and living, it is not work and living itself.

There are other problems with tying growth directly to reward:

1) Causes the believer to focus unhealthily on his own progress above all, i.e. become self-centered.
2) What about believers that die shortly after becoming believers?

Although growth is a factor and certainly some kind of indicator of faithfulness, I don't think reward is based on growth directly. I think reward is based simply on the decisions a believer made in his or her life, decisions to obey, or to disobey.

I have not processed the ramifications, but would the parable of the man with the field that keeps hiring workers throughout the day and then pays them all the same have any bearing here? If so, how?