[Quester]

When Paul speak of one's REWARD/PRIZE, he is, typically, not speaking of salvation, as he does here ...

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

When Paul speaks of salvation, he clearly refers to it as a free gift, ... as he does here ...

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[ET(end tyranny)]

What is the prize that Paul is talking about here (from my original post)

1 Corinthians 9 (NLT)
24 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.
25 All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
26 So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.[1]
27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.