The Crown of Life- for all believers who withstood suffering and bravely defended the faith. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. “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. Because the Lord is everlasting, so is the crown we receive if we finish our race well. The Imperishable Crown- a special crown given to those who endured through every circumstance and remained faithful to the Lord. “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?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 This crown likely includes God’s promise of no tears, sorrow, death, crying, or pain in heaven ( Revelation 21:4). The Crown of Rejoicing- given to those who long to be in Jesus’ presence and are always thankful for His blessings. “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.” 2 Timothy 4:8 He shares it with only those who faithfully serve Him and others, and who long to see Him. The Crown of Righteousness- given to us through Jesus’ righteousness only. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4 His glory refers to His nature, the praise and honor He deserves, and the blessing of finally being in His presence. The Crown of Glory- given to those who long for Jesus’ reappearance.

The Bible tells us of five specific crowns we can receive in heaven. No, we behave righteously and obey God’s commands in response to our love for Him and in service to Him. It won’t earn you a thing, least of all any crowns. Of course, we don’t make good choices just so we get a prize. The choices we make now determine which prizes we receive when we get there. Like a runner in a race, Christians are also running a race, and the prize is heaven. The first man to cross the finish line would head to a table called a bema where the authority of the area would place a garland or wreath of leaves on the winner’s head like a crown as a reward. The games always included a running race. Paul wrote this verse in reference to the Olympic and Isthmian games that were common for the time. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. The most notable verse is 1 Corinthians 9:24–25:

The apostle Paul talked about crowns and rewards extensively in the New Testament, and Jesus mentioned it several times as well. What exactly are the crowns and rewards the Bible talks about? How do we earn them, and what can we do to keep them? Running the Race She and I were talking not long ago about her situation, and Mom brought up some good questions: If she’s largely homebound, will she lose her heavenly rewards? Will God make a kind of withdraw from her heavenly savings account? Is she still eligible for any crowns? Does it even matter? These are good questions for all of us to ask ourselves even if we’re not homebound.īut let’s back up. It’s hard to shout the Good News when it’s hard to get out of bed some days. One problem these issues have caused is her inability to spread the Gospel. I’m sure you can imagine her frustration. She’s facing some health issues because of her age, and it’s taken away her ability to do many things she used to do very easily. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5:10Īsk anyone of a certain age and that person will tell you getting old really stinks.

Tears at the judgment seat of christ