James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life” (1 John 2:25). He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. 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).ĥ) The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11 Galatians 1:5). Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). It entails His great splendor and brightness. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord.Ĥ) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).ģ) The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “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 only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. 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).Ģ) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish.
Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV). And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.
1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “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.
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