Earning Eternal Crowns & Rewards

Set your eyes on things above.

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore”? – Matthew 19:27

The Apostle Peter asked a fantastic question to Jesus. He asked Him if he and the other disciples would receive reward for choosing to serve Christ?

Aren’t you glad Peter asked this? There is purpose to serving Christ. There is purpose and reward for living the Christian life. The Bible speaks of 5 Crowns to be earned for serving God.

The Incorruptible Crown - “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

Paul speaks here of a crown which can be obtained by using your physical body for the Glory of God, keeping it disciplined, enduring hardships which come about, and preaching the Gospel despite abuse that may arise. This crown is spoken of regarding serving and doing the will of God faithfully and willingly although trials and tribulations may arise. Carry on and keep moving forward, as compared to a race by the Apostle Paul. This crown speaks of self-control, endurance in serving, faithfulness to a meaningful goal of being rewarded, and lastly being approved by God when your physical life ends.

Crown of Rejoicing - “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” - 1 Thessalonians 2:16-19

These verses speak of believers being hindered from giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelievers that they might be saved. Therefore, the “crown of rejoicing” is clearly portrayed here as the “soul-winners crown”. This is the crown or reward given to believers for giving out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and saving a soul from Hell. Witnessing for Christ is vital in the believer’s life, and it will not go unnoticed before God; You will receive a crown one day in Heaven for spreading the Gospel message. Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a request, but a command to the believer (Mark 16:15). The greatest act a believer can do is to evangelize the lost; preach the Gospel to every person so that some may be saved (Rom. 1:16). 

Crown of Righteousness - “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” - 2 Timothy 4:8 

This crown is given out to believers who are faithfully awaiting Christ’s return, fully expecting His appearing, and living their life in anticipation of Christ’s soon return. If you love Christ’s appearing (His return), then you are going to live your life a certain way. Love is an action word. Loving God and others involve embracing the full Christian life (love, fellowship, evangelism, Bible study, prayer, praising God, self-denial, renewing the inward-man (new nature), daily alertness looking for opportunities to glorify God, and many more).

Crown of Glory - “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - 1 Peter 5:2-4

This “crown of glory” is given to believers who faithfully teach the Word of God to other believers. This can be leaders, pastors, teachers, elders, or any believer who is faithfully proclaiming God’s Truth. Feeding the flock of God refers to instructing other believers in the Word of God and having a ready mind which has come from faithful study of the Scriptures; Willingly teaching God’s doctrine in love and living a Godly life as an example to others are all aspects of receiving this “crown of glory.” The Christian life is not a list or rules of “don’t do’s” but rather freedom to act in liberty/service of love.

Crown of Life – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10

The Crown of Life is also rightfully referred to by some as “the sufferer’s crown” or “the martyr’s crown.” This crown is said to be given to the believer who endures temptation and is faithful at these times to the Lord (perseverance under trial). This crown is also spoken of in Revelation above where we find this crown is presented to those who have died for Christ’s sake. These people have been faithful even to physical death and are well-deserving of this crown. A suffering death may not come for the believer as they serve Christ, but we should be willing and know in times past that there were many who did indeed die for the Name of Jesus. We do know believers will surely suffer some type of persecution if they are obeying and applying God’s Word, so be faithful in enduring these difficult times and you will be rewarded in eternity.

As you can see from Scripture, there are mentions of specific crowns or rewards which will be given to believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ for their faithfulness in serving Him. Don’t get caught up in the physical pleasures of this world but focus on eternal treasure which will abide forever in Heaven.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” – Revelation 22:12