It is self-evident to those who are in the kingdom and who possess spiritual riches that this is true. Knowledge leads to greater knowledge, and light from God leads to more light. This happens because spiritual light is so appreciated by those who possess it and it becomes their strongest desire to gain more. They love the things of God above all else and they long to see God face to face. They press towards the mark of the high calling of God, not content with a world that is passing away. Heavenly knowledge has within it the means of its own increase.
Furthermore, God gives more to those who already have because they have proven themselves faithful. He is a bountiful God and loves to give good gifts to his children. In his wisdom, he gives more to those who appreciate what he has already given and who have made good use of his gifts. Above all, in the world to come, he will give his children rewards of grace which hardly deserve to be called rewards, which are disproportionate to all that we have done for him, and greater than they could ever merit by their service to him.
But those who have never having known Christ are viewed from heaven as in a state of spiritual poverty and destitution. They may be rich in this world’s estimation, but in heaven’s eyes they have nothing. God’s gifts given to them in common with all men and women – the sun to warm them and the rain to water their crops, many temporary joys and happiness, and life itself – will be taken from them. So also will the treasures of this life which they set so much value on: their possessions, their status, their gold and silver. They have admired men and made heroes of fools; they have lusted after reputation in this world and the praise of men. They have lived for material things which are passing away.