Scripture describes our eternal rewards in terms of a inheritance and responsibility. These rewards are symbolized as Crowns. Believers will be awarded crowns as their rewards for what we do on earth -waiting for Christ’s second coming to establish His Kingdom on earth.
The Bible says these crowns will be our badges of honor reflecting glory upon Christ, who worked through us to achieve the good works in their lives. believers will acknowledge His sovereignty by casting their crowns at His feet while they worship Him in heaven,
“And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever.“ -Revelation 4:9
“The twenty-four elders 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,“ -Revelation 4:10
“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 we created.” – Revelation 4:11
Altogether, the Bible mentions five crowns promised to believers for their obedience to Christ while on earth.
The Crown Of Life
“Blessed is a man who perseveres u dear trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord had promised to those who live Him” -James 1:12.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about o cast some on 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.
At first glance, it will appear that the “crown of life” refers to eternal life. But, the scriptures contradict that. Scripture clearly state the eternal life comes by faith alone in Christ alone, and which is given as a gift and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, this crown is given to those who faithfully persevere trials the Lord puts them through. We only persevere such trials and tribulations by God’s power in us (1 Peter 1:5-7).
The Crown Of Righteousness
“In the future there is laid up from me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have lived His appearing” – 2 Timothy 4:8.
This verse does not refer to righteousness we achieve by works, as scripture makes it clear that our righteousness is found only in the imputed righteousness of Christ-Romans 5:19. Rather is award is given to those who eagerly await the appearing of the Lord. As believers, we should always be expectantly looking for the return of the Lord.
“This crown He employs in describing believers, who’s faith is strong, it will not permit their minds to fall asleep in this world, but will elevate them to the hope of the last resurrection. This means all who are so much devoted to the world, and who love so much this fleeting life, as not to care about the coming of Christ, and not to be moved by any desire of it, deprive themselves of immortal glory. Woe to their stupidity, that never think seriously about the coming of Christ,to which they ought to give their attention” – John Calvin
The Crown Of Glory
“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the suffering of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is revealed” – 1 Peter 5:1
“Shepherd the flock of God among you,exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily according to the will of God; and not sordid gain, but with eagerness;“ – 1 Peter 5:2
This is a crown for the elders the Lord has placed in authority in His church. It’s an exhortation as well as an incentive for the elders to rule as the Lord had directed.
The 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.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, My beloved” – Philippians 4:1.
This crown will go to those who have witnessed to others and who have built up the church by teaching.
The Crown Incorruptible
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one received the prize, Run in such a way that you will win” – 1 Corinthians 9:24.
“Every man who strives in the games exercises self- control in all things. Now they do it to receive to receive a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible” – 1 Corinthians 9:25.
“Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air” – 1 Corinthians 9:26.
“But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” – 1 Corinthians 9:27.
This crown will be given to all believers who run the race to win. Who Discipline the flesh and make it their slave so they will be able to serve the Lord. We can only achieve this by the power of the Holy Spirit, so the crown is ultimately accomplished in God’s power, not our own.
From Pity to Praise 