Rewards in heaven glorify God and provide us with joy, comma peace, and wonder as we pursue godly, living and surrendering to God‘s work in us and through us. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation experience and those rewards will be eternally satisfying.
There are 5 heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. The translation of the word “Stephanos for crown means “a badge of royalty. It is referred to a wreath or garland of leaves placed on a victors head as a reward for winning an athletic contest. This word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards in heaven God promises to those who are faithful.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 defines how these crowns are awarded.
“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 competed for the prize is disciplined in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
- The Crown Of Rejoicing
The purpose: the apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord, Again I will say rejoice. For all the bountiful blessings God has showered on us. As followers of God, we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else.
- God’s unchanging Love and Presence. We can rejoice in the assurance that God love is steadfast and eternal. His presence is always with us, offering comfort and guidance -Matthew 28:20.
- Salvation and Forgiveness. We can celebrate the gift of salvation which brings forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God -Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1.
- Hope in Eternal Life. We can rejoice in the promise of eternal life, and the hope of a future with God, freedom from pain and suffering -John 3:16, Revelation 21:4.
- The Holy Spirit’s Guidance. We can be glad for the Holy Spirit, who empowers,guides, and strengthens us to live out our faith -John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-23.
- God’s Provision and Care. We can thank God for his daily provision, physical and emotional and spiritual. And trusting He will meets our needs - Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:33.
- Peace in the Midst of Chaos. In a world of uncertainty, we can rejoice in the peace that God surpasses all understanding -Philippians 4:6-7
2. The Crown Of Righteousness
The purpose: we inherit this crown through righteousness of Jesus which is what gives us the right to it, and without it, it cannot be obtained. It is an everlasting crown that is promised to all who love the Lord Jesus and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragement, persecutions, sufferings, and even death, we know surely our reward is with Jesus in eternity.
In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul tells us,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
As followers of Jesus, we become citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we can eagerly wait for him to return as our savior. Then He will take our weak mortal body and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control - Philippians 3:21-21 (paraphrased).
When we finish the race, we will get the reward.
3. The Crown Of Life
The purpose: This crown is for all followers of Jesus we know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes to those who come to God through Jesus.  This is a promise that He has promised us in eternal life -1 John 2:25.
This crown will also be given to those who successfully under temptation and suffering, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death.
James 1:12 tells us,
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he had been approve He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Revelation 2: 10-11 says,
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” -Revelation 3:11
4. The Crown Of InCorruption Or Imperishable Crown
The purpose: this crown is for exercising liberty by living a life of disciplined endurance. Jesus provided us an example of such a life.
In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul tells us,
“I do not run like someone running aimlessly. I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” – NIV
To reward the winner of an Olympic type race. Such as reward points to a permanent honor that Jesus will bestow upon those who live life by the Holy Spirit restraint, which keeps them qualified for ministry.
We should deny ourselves for God, glory that we might be honored at the judgment seed of Christ.
5. The Crown Of Glory
The purpose: This crown is a permanent honor that Jesus will bestow on leaders in the church who diligently disciple God’s people for our growth and maturity.
This is for teachers, preachers etc… who live a steadfast life to live out their calling in service to others.
Rewards in heaven glorify God, and provide us with joy, peace, and wonder as we pursue godly, living and surrendering to God’s work in us and through us. Rewards in heaven are the completion of our earthly salvation, and both awards will be eternally satisfying (Psalm 16.11).
From Pity to Praise 