In the days of the Bible, kings, warriors and those who won the Greek games were rewarded with crowns which were symbolic of honour, authority, and victory. The Bible speaks about the reward of eternal life for the faithful, John 3:16, but it also speaks about different crowns which are given as rewards.
At first glance they all sound the same until we get into the text and then we soon discover that different crowns are rewarded to different people for the different work they do in God’s kingdom. Within the New Testament we read about seven different crowns and in this article we will look at each one and discover who they are for and what they mean.
1. The Crown of Life.
When we read James 1:12, and Revelation 2:10, we soon discover that The Crown of Life is awarded to those Christians who endure difficult times whilst remaining faithful to God until the day they die. This crown is awarded to those who persevere through trials and temptations. This crown demonstrates and confirms God’s mercy and compassion for those who suffer for Christ.
2. The Incorruptible Crown.
When we read 1 Corinthians 9:25, we soon discover that The Incorruptible Crown is awarded to those Christians who have trained themselves to be self-controlled and through perseverance, live a life totally committed to God. Paul says, in these ‘games’, athletes endured all this to win a wreath of Pine leaves that withered away and which was awarded to the one winner but the prize for which we seek endures throughout Eternity. This crown demonstrates God’s eternal faithfulness to those who endure in purity.
3. The Crown of Glory.
When we read 1 Peter 5:4, we soon discover that The Crown of Glory is awarded to those Christians who faithfully led Christ’s church. This would be qualified men, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 / Titus 1:6-9, named elders, who served and shepherded the flock with careful thought and humility. This crown is eternal and the glory and honour it represents will be awarded to those elders who demonstrated leadership skills in caring and leading the flock through this life. This crown demonstrates God’s honour for those in faithful leadership roles.
4. The Crown of Righteousness.
When we read 2 Timothy 4:8, we soon discover that The Crown of Righteousness is awarded to those Christians who have lived a righteous life and eagerly awaited the return of Christ. These are the Christians who lived right for God whilst waiting for their hope, that is, Christ to return, Colossians 3:1-4. 3. This crown demonstrates God’s justice in rewarding real obedience.
5. The Crown of Rejoicing.
When we read 1 Thessalonians 2:19, we soon discover that The Crown of Rejoicing is awarded to those Christians who, through the Gospel, have helped brings souls to Christ, Philippians 4:1. One of the greatest joys a Christian can experience is sharing the Word of God with someone and then witnessing that same person being obedient God’s Word and becoming a Christian. It’s a real eternal celebration of those who are saved, Luke 15:7 / Luke 15:10. This crown demonstrates God’s incredible love for all those who come to salvation.
6. The Crown of the Martyr.
When we read Revelation 6:9-11, we soon discover that The Crown of Martyr is awarded to those Christians who lay down their lives for the Gospel. Its awarded to those who are courageous in sharing the Gospel, those who go through extreme persecution, those who didn’t allow fear to overcome their faith. It’s for those who literally lay down their lives for the sake of Christ, Acts 7:54-60 / Romans 8:18. This crown demonstrates God’s recognition and love for those who died for Christ.
7. The Crown of Victory.
When we read 2 Timothy 2:5, we soon discover that The Crown of Victory is awarded to those Christians who strive to live a disciplined life, a faithful life according to God’s rules. This is awarded to those who don’t look for the easy way out or compromise God’s Word. It’s for those who have trained themselves, like athletes to win and overcome trials, and temptations. It’s for those who constantly resisted the temptation to sin and remain faithful to death. This crown demonstrates God’s love for those who take His Word seriously and live by it.
God is the great rewarder and he rewards the faithful with eternal life, John 3:16 / 1 John 2:25, and an inheritance in heaven, Colossians 3:23-24 / 1 Peter 1:4. He also rewards the faithful with different crowns for different services within His kingdom. The crowns themselves remind us of God’s grace and that God is indeed faithful to His promises, Hebrews 10:23.
If you’ve been a Christian for a while, I understand there may have been or will be times when you want to give up and so to encourage you, let me leave you with John’s words.