The Five Crowns

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

When Jesus comes, He is going to reward every Christian according to the works they have done. Part of the rewards the Scripture describes is in the form of five eternal crowns.

First of all, there is the crown of life. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). This reward could also be called “the lover’s crown.” You find strength to overcome temptation and endure trials through God’s love and your love for God. All believers have eternal life, but not all believers will be rewarded with the “crown of life.”

Secondly, there is the imperishable crown. “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Cor. 9:25). Paul makes use of the Greek games to illustrate the spiritual race of the believer. To win, you must deny yourself of anything that would weigh you down and hold you back, and by faith, refuse anything that would impede your spiritual progress (Heb. 11:24-29).

Thirdly, there is the crown of rejoicing. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 says, “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? For you are our glory and joy.” This crown is the soul winner’s crown. The greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lord is to bring others to the knowledge of Christ as their personal Savior.

Fourthly, there is the crown of righteousness. “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 Tim. 4:8). The “crown of righteousness” is a reward and is not to be confused with the “righteousness of God” which you receive when you become a Christian. If you look for and love the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, it will affect your whole life.

Fifthly, there is the crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:2-4 says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the fl ock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” The “crown of glory” is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called shepherds who feed the flock and take spiritual oversight of the church faithfully and diligently.