God’s blessings on people’s earthly lives

Could you explain to me about the different levels in heaven? I was told that the people who do the greatest works on earth will get the upper levels in heaven. I have a hard time with this because it sounds like work righteousness. I believe that Jesus did it all, and that the things we do on this earth do not get us to heaven. So why then would there be a special place in heaven for people who did better works? I am confused. Thank you.

Rather than speaking of different levels of heaven (something which Mormons teach), the Bible describes “degrees of glory” that God’s people will experience throughout eternity. Scripture passages such as Daniel 12:3; Matthew 25:23, 28-29; Luke 19:17, 19; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6; and, Revelation 14:13 are often cited in connection with “degrees of glory.” That expression describes God’s gracious blessing of Christians’ lives of service to him—blessings that are graciously given in proportion to their lives of sanctification. This action on God’s part is due entirely to his gracious love; Christians do not earn or merit any blessings from God.

You are correct in noting that “Jesus did it all” when it comes to our salvation. Our works do not contribute in any way to what Jesus did to save us by living perfectly in our place and suffering the punishment our sins deserved. The works associated with the degrees of glory are not connected to the reason for our salvation. Christians do those works in gratitude for the salvation Jesus won for them. However God blesses those works is up to him. Since sin and its effects will not be present for God’s children in eternity, there will be no jealousy or envy in regard to how God blesses people’s earthly lives of sanctification. God’s children will enjoy equally his gift of salvation (Romans 6:23).