For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Jesus said, when He returns HE will bring His rewards with Him.
Romans 4:5 Salvation is a free gift by faith alone in Jesus alone apart from works.
Rewards in heaven are earned by our works after we have received the free gift of God, eternal life.
Romans 3:26-28 For He is the just and the jsutifier of them that simply believe in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what Law? By the law of works? Nay, but by the law of FAITH. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the Law.
First Corinthians 3:11-15 Rewards in heaven are based on what we do after we have received the free gift of eternal life.
The thief on the cross did nothing but believe Jesus was the Son of God. He was saved by faith alone apart from works. Romans 4:5.
John 3:18 He was condemned until he repented, changed his mind and believed on Jesus.
But after we have received the free GIFT God has left us here to preach the gospel to others, First Corinthians 15:1-4, so we can bring more into the kingdom.
And our good works will be rewarded in heaven. Our works could never save a sinner. But our good works are for rewards.
There is a crown given in heaven for keeping the faith. There is another crown for looking for His coming.
Jesus said, If I go, i will go to prepare a place for you and receive you unto myself. He said, let not your heart be troubled.
First Thessalonians 4:18 We are to comfort one another with these words.
What we do know is that our sin debt is paid in full, and we can no longer be condemned. John 3:18. The GIFT of God is eternal life. That can not be earned or worked for.
But our rewards in heaven are based on our works.
If we do nothing for the lord we will have no rewards. First Corinthians 3:15 But we will still be saved so as by fire. Only our rewards are burned up. John 6:47.
Ephesians 1:13-14. Our guarantee of our inheritance in heaven. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit in whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. The rapture of the church.