First of all, crowns and rewards have nothing to do with salvation. Salvation is based on a believing faith in Jesus Christ according to the gospel in the Holy Bible. In the following Scriptures, you will see that you, mankind, have three enemies to salvation (the world, the Devil, and the flesh).
The problem is every human is born spiritually dead, separated from God, and under God's wrath.
"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Devil), of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
The solution is receiving God's great love and mercy through Jesus Christ.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Salvation is God's free gift.
For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:1-10).
For God's Plan of Salvation, click here, Jesus Plus Nothing Saves You
What Are Christian Crowns and Rewards?
According to the New Testament epistles, believers in the Church age will face a judgment before Christ. This judgment is not to decide if we will be condemned (we won't be),
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
but to assess and evaluate the magnitude of eternal crowns and rewards.
These crowns are specified in the New Testament epistles. They mention five heavenly crowns that will be given to believers: the imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life. The crowns in this context do not appear to be crowns of royalty (diadem crowns).
The Greek term for "crown" is Stephanos (the origin of the name comes from Stephen the martyr), which signifies "a badge of royalty, a prize in public games, or a symbol of honor in general." Originally used in ancient Greek games, it denoted a wreath or garland of leaves placed on the head of a victor as a reward for winning an athletic competition.
In the New Testament, this term is metaphorically employed to represent the heavenly rewards promised by God to the faithful. The Apostle Paul provides the best explanation of how these crowns are granted.
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the game exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable (crown)" (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
"I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown) (Revelation 311).
Five (5) Biblical Crowns
Imperishable (Incorruptible) Crown
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, NKJV).
All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal”
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19).
This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is
“An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).
Crown of Rejoicing
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
The apostle Paul tells us to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).
As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven.
"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7).
The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where
“God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
Crown of Glory
"Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4).
While Peter's address is to the elders, it's important to note that the crown will be bestowed upon all who eagerly await or cherish His manifestation. The term "glory" is fascinating, denoting the essence of God and His deeds, encompassing His immense majesty and luminosity. Consider Stephen, who, even as he faced martyrdom, gazed into the heavens and beheld the glory of God.
"But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56).
This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is.
"I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images" (Isaiah 42:8).
"For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another" (Isaiah 48:11).
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen"(Galatians 1:3-5).
It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it,
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJV).
Crown of Righteousness for Rapture Lovers
This crown is inherited through the righteousness of Christ, which grants us entitlement to it, and without which it remains unattainable. As it is acquired and held in righteousness, rather than by force or deceit like some earthly crowns, it is an eternal crown, assured to all who love the Lord and await His return with eagerness.
"In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).
Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity.
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).
This crown is not meant for those who rely on their own sense of righteousness or deeds. Such a stance fosters only arrogance and pride, not a deep yearning or an earnest desire to be with the Lord. This yearning for the return of Jesus is known as the "blessed hope."
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2: 11-14).
Crown of Life (Trials and Suffering)
This crown is bestowed upon all believers, yet holds particular significance for those who endure suffering, who face persecution for their faith in Jesus with courage, even unto death.
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said,
“I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Just as air, food, and water are essential for our physical well-being, Jesus is said to provide what is necessary for our spiritual existence. He is referred to as the provider of "living water" and the "bread of life."
"Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” (John 4:10).
"Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35).
We are aware that our time on earth is finite. However, there is a wonderful promise available exclusively to those who approach God by way of Jesus.
“And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).
James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God.
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12).
The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us:
“For this is the love of God, that at we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
As children of God, we are called to adhere to His commandments and remain steadfast in obedience. In the face of life's inevitable challenges, sorrows, and trials, let us persistently advance, ever "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), to ultimately attain the promised crown of life.
Three (3) Rewards
It is possible that the listing above is representative rather than exhaustive, since we are told about these crowns and rewards, but are not told that these are all of them. Also, there are godly virtues, acts, and characteristics that are not listed as associated with crowns or rewards, but which we might discover to be so in eternity.
"According to the grace of God, which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
Solid Foundation Reward
"Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward" (2 John 8).
"For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test [b]the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:11-14).
Voluntary Service Reward
"For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me" (1 Corinthians 9:17).
"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
Inheritance Reward
"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve"(Colossians 3:23-24).
"And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:17-18).
Casting Our Crowns Before Jesus
While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of the crowns and rewards, it offers a glimpse into their value and purpose in the heavenly scene depicted in Revelation 4:10-11 (NASB).
“…the twenty-four elders (represents raptured Christians) will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."
Thus, the crowns and rewards represent not a selfish possession but our ability to worship and glorify the Lord in Heaven. This ability is not merely a one-time event but a continuous and enduring one. The term "cast," as used in verse 10, does not denote a singular action but, in context, suggests an ongoing action—repeatedly casting. This interpretation aligns with the age-old tradition of continually laying one's crown before a superior monarch.
Therefore, now and in Heaven we will continually worship the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
"I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name" (Romans 14:10).
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