We know God intends to reward those who are faithful to Him in heaven.
Yes, the New Testament mentions several crowns that believers can receive as rewards in heaven.
These crowns are symbolic, representing various aspects of the Christian's faithfulness and commitment to Christ during their earthly lives.
The Imperishable Crown
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
- "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who Wants competes in the games goes into strict training to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
This crown is for those who have exercised self-control and discipline in their Christian life,
Athletes who hold several world records in long distance running has to go through a lot of training.
They do it to bring honor to the people they represent.
How much more we should follow the footsteps of Paul and Peter to look more like Jesus and bring glory to God.
All this runners has something in common : running the race with perseverance.
- NEVER GIVE UP
- NEVER SURRENDER
- KEEP PUSHING
- KEEP PRESSING
The people of this world race is all about how to defeat others but the spiritual race is how to serve others and win souls.
Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Let's briefly look at each:
1. The Crown of Righteousness
Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
This crown is for those who have lived righteous lives and eagerly await Christ's return.
To get this crown there are three criterion’s
Fought the Good Fight: Paul speaks of his life in terms of a battle, representing the spiritual warfare and challenges he faced in spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.
Finished the Race: The race metaphor refers to the Christian life. It is not necessarily about being the first to finish but finishing the course God has set for each believer. It is knowing the will of God specifically for our lives and fulfilling it as our Lord did
Kept the Faith: Paul remained true to the Gospel message and his call despite facing numerous trials, persecutions, and hardships.
2. The Crown for Soul winning
1 Thessalonians 2:19
- "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?"
Often referred to as the "soul winner's crown",
this crown is given to those who have played a role in leading others to Christ.
The Bible says He/She who wins souls is wise
After we have been saved from eternal fire we should also return the favor by doing the same thing for the unbelievers that God wants them to be saved too
As the scriptures said in John 3 16. For God so loved the world ….
3. The Crown for shepherding Gods people
1 Peter 5:4
"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
This crown is especially mentioned for the faithful shepherds or elders who have cared for and guided God's flock, but it's also applicable to believers who have faithfully shepherded others in any capacity.
4. The Crown of Life / self sacrificing
Revelation 2:10
"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."
this crown is for those who have endured suffering, trials, and even martyrdom for the sake
It is believed that all the apostles of Christ and many more early Christian’s were martyrs for the sake of the gospel of Christ.
James 1:2-4
“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.”
Summary
It's worth noting that while these crowns are mentioned in a manner that implies reward, the overall New Testament message emphasizes that salvation is a gift through faith in Christ, not based on works.
Work vs Grace
These crowns represent commendations for a life lived in faith and service,
It is a way of God responding to us WELL DONE YOU FAITHFUL SERVANT
but they don't determine salvation itself.
Many believe that they serve as a way for believers to honor Christ in eternity,
But the greatest reward every believer will receive is the honor of seeing God face-to-face.
Because of our sin, we can’t see God’s face (see Ex. 33:20). But in heaven, we will be made perfect.
We will share in Jesus’s inheritance as sons and daughters of God (see Rom. 8:17).