Would you like to receive a crown, to have one presented to you to wear? A little over two years ago, Charles was crowned king of the United Kingdom, and was given the royal crown to wear. The women in the Royal Family will occasionally wear beautiful gem-encrusted tiaras on special occasions and to certain functions. If you are a Christian today, then there is coming a day when you could be presented with a crown, and possibly more than one! Did you know that? We read of this occasion in our Scripture today.
Today’s New Testament reading comes from the Book of Revelation, and the scene takes place in the divine throne room of God in heaven. As we read in the first several verses, the Apostle John is taken in a vision to the heavenly throne room of God, and he describes the beauty and majesty of the scene, with the gems, and the thunder and lightning (vs. 1-5). Along with that, he also tells of all those present, which includes the twenty-four elders and four living creatures which we have met before, being present, and the praises which they bestow upon the Lord (vs. 6-11). We also read in verse 10 of the crowns that those who are gathered around God’s throne will cast at His feet. It is these crowns which I want to focus this study on.
As we read through the New Testament and the epistles written by Paul, Peter, and James, we briefly read mentions of various crowns that the believers will receive in heaven as rewards for faithful service and devotion to the Lord Jesus. Not everyone will get a crown. This isn’t like modern psychology where every student gets a reward, even if they didn’t put forth any effort, but just warmed a seat throughout the school year. Unfortunately not every Christian does something for the Lord after they are saved, or faithfully serves Him, but those who do are rewarded. There are five crowns mentioned in the New Testament. Let’s briefly look at each.
The first is the Incorruptible or Victor’s Crown, which we read about in I Corinthians 9:24-27. This is rewarded to those who show self-discipline and perseverance in their Christian life. Paul frequently describes the Christian life as like a race, and an athlete needs to be disciplined and show endurance. Likewise, we need spiritual endurance and have mastery over our fleshly desires. Some Christians look and act no differently than anyone else, as they always give in to their sinful desires. Their neighbors and co-workers cannot tell that they are a Christian by their actions and speech. This crown would not be for them. This crown represents victory over sin and steadfastness in faith.
The second is the Crown of Rejoicing, also known as the Soul-Winner’s Crown. Paul mentions this in I Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1. This crown is awarded to those who lead others to Christ. There are many who do not want to specifically tell others about the Lord Jesus, saying that they will “just let my actions speak for the Lord.” I have never heard of anyone who was saved just by looking at what a good life their neighbor lived. Romans 10:17 says that faith is acquired by hearing the message of the Gospel. Hearing, not just seeing an occasional good deed. Jesus said to preach the Gospel. There will be joy among believers when they see those they have led to salvation standing before the Lord, and they will receive this crown.
The third crown is the Crown of Righteousness, which we read about in II Timothy 4:8. This is a crown that is promised to all those who are eagerly awaiting Jesus’ return, and who are living righteously as they await that day. Paul was nearing the day of his execution when he wrote this letter to Timothy, and he spoke of his longing for the day when Jesus would return, and his life of faithful service showed this. Those who also have a fervent longing for Jesus to return, and who live a holy life in the meantime will receive this crown.
The fourth crown is the Crown of Life which is mentioned in both James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10. This is a crown given to those who endure great trials, especially trials for their faith, and to those who are martyred for their faith. Those who suffer persecution for His Name will be rewarded for their unwavering faith and perseverance.
The fifth and final crown is the Crown of Glory, also sometimes known as the Shepherd’s Crown. This is spoken of in I Peter 5:4. In this part of his epistle, Peter is speaking to elders, or leaders of churches. This crown is awarded to faithful pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders who serve God’s flock with diligence, humility, and devotion.
These crowns are not given to these believers for their personal glory, but instead are meant to be offered back to Jesus in worship, as we read in our Scripture passage in Revelation. These crowns should serve as motivation for us to live faithfully, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58). We will be casting our crowns before Jesus’ throne, declaring that all glory belongs to Christ. Will you receive a crown, or will you be empty-handed when believers gather around Jesus’ throne to cast their crowns to Him?