At awards ceremonies, whether they are at school, work, or something big like the Oscars, we often hear the person receiving the prize give thanks and a lot of credit to other people. They might say that they wouldn’t have been able to gain the award without the help or work of their parents, or co-workers, a spouse, etc. In our Scripture today we read of people who have received awards, what they do with them, and why.
As our passage from the Book of Revelation opens, the Apostle John has a vision where he is in the throne room of God in heaven. John describes the throne and the room as like several gemstones he was familiar with (vs. 1-3). Around the throne of God were an additional twenty-four thrones with elders seated on them, clothed in white robes, and having on their heads crowns of gold (vs. 4). These twenty-four elders represent the Church, now complete and glorified. They are the overcomers who have their crowns, and live in the place that Jesus has prepared for them.
When believers are gathered in heaven, one thing that will occur is that we will each receive rewards for what we have done for God with our lives while on earth. The Bible makes perfectly clear that we do not get to heaven through our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However when we are in heaven, we will be rewarded for what we do for the Lord after we are saved.
The Bible speaks of five different crowns that believers could receive. The first is the Crown of Life which is awarded to those who have persevered under heavy trials or persecutions, including those who were martyred (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). The second is the Incorruptible Crown which is awarded to those who have shown self-denial for the Lord (I Corinthians 2:25-27). The third crown that believers can be awarded is the Crown of Righteousness which is given to those who love and eagerly anticipate Jesus’ second coming, which shows a great desire for a closeness with God (II Timothy 4:8). The fourth crown is the Crown of Glory which is awarded to those who shepherd God’s people, faithfully teaching them, and showing a good example with their lives (I Peter 5:4). The fifth crown is the Crown of Rejoicing which is given to those who seek to win others to the Lord (I Thessalonians 2:19; Philippians 4:1). The Apostle Paul also alludes to other rewards that are given to believers for the work they do for the Lord during their life (I Corinthians 3:12-15).
What will we do with these crowns and other rewards? Will we brag and gush over them? Strut around like proud peacocks? As John continues to observe these events before the throne of God, he sees the twenty-four elders, representing the Church, fall down in worship before the Lord God, and cast their crowns before the throne in praise and adoration (vs. 10-11). They know that they, on their own, do not deserve anything from God, and that Jesus is the only one deserving of praise. On our own, without Jesus, we would only be deserving of damnation. God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to die for our sins. Even after we have accepted Him as our Savior, we have no ability within ourselves to accomplish anything for Him on our own merit. All we can accomplish for God that is worth anything is done through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, we give Him the glory, and cast those crowns down at His feet. Just like those who acknowledge that others have helped them win an award here on earth, in heaven we know that God alone is responsible for the rewards that we will receive, and we humbly cast them at the feet of Jesus.
Jesus is the Name above all names. There is power in His Name to save us. He is the only one who is able to bridge the gap between us and God (I Timothy 2:5). His Name carries the power of the most precious Man, and His most precious action, that in dying for our sins. John sees many other angelic beings that surround the throne of God, all singing praises to His Name (vs. 6-9). All creatures in heaven and earth will praise and honor the thrice-holy God because He is the Creator and Sustainer of everything.
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