Have you ever imagined yourself in a crown? Well, there are five heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that can be awarded to believers. You and I can one day be awarded by the Lord with a crown, and to some, perhaps more than one. The crown. The Greek word translated “crown” means “a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally.” Used during the ancient Greek games, it referred to a wreath or garland of leaves placed on a victor’s head as a reward for winning an athletic games (precursor of the Olympics). This is used figuratively in the New Testament regarding the rewards of heaven that God had promised those who are faithful. Paul’s passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 best defines for how these crowns are awarded. The Greeks, in ancient days would wear crowns (stephanoi) during a wide range of festive occasions: a procession a sacrifice a festive dinner an athletic game Generally, these crowns were fashioned of leaves or flowers. Honors bestowed on behalf of the community were often made as a golden crown. During the great international games, only the winners received a crown of leaves including: The laurel at Delphi (the evergreen laurel tree was sacred to Apollo Pine branches and later dried sellery during the Isthmian Games a green celery crown during the Nemean Games Oak leaves at the Roman Capitolia Unlike the laurel crowns given at the Pythian Games, the Olympic Games crowned their victors with branches from the olive tree– a symbol of human continuity. Compared with today, there wasn’t a first, second, or third place; there was only one winner for each event, who would be crowned with a wreath of wild olive branches sourced from the sacred tree near Olympia. The use of crowns was customary at all games and functioned as a symbol of victory as was the ceremony, in which the victor was officially proclaimed and the crown placed on the head, it was the great moment of triumph for the athlete. At the Greek games, there was a herald who announced the rules of the contest, the names of the athletes, their cities, and the winners. He lso named the athletes who were disqualified. If representing a town or province the athlete was also given addition prizes, benefits, and special treatment. In the modern games, crowns have been replaced by metals. However, during the Olympics in Berlin, in 1936, and in Athens in 2004, athletes were awarded a crown of leaves as well as a reference or honor to antiquity. The symbol of the crown was taken over by early Christians and awarded to their martyrs the “unfading crown” after their death in the arena. And therein lies the magnificent difference. The crown that Christ provides can never perish like some common leaves do. No this is eternal and the Bible reveals at least 5 crowns with which we can be awarded. There is great honor and value in living a winning life as Paul shows us: 1 Cor 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I [a] discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. The Crowns The Imperishable Crown 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. Here Paul has in mind the athlete in the Roman arena. Before the contest each participant practiced self-discipline, being temperate in all things. There were undoubtedly many pleasures and pastimes that the athletes might have entered into and enjoyed, but they denied themselves these things in order to do their best. A crown awaited the victor. All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Scripture teaches that we are not to store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The winning athlete was crowned with a wreath fashioned of leaves and sprouts that would soon turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). The Crown of Rejoicing 1 Thessalonians 2:19 “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?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). This is essentially the soul-winner’s crown. Christians should pray and prepare to bring the lost to Christ. Paul held confidence that when he would stand before the judgment seat of Christ, the Thessalonian converts would be guaranteed a crown for all those who shared in bringing them to Christ. The Crown of Righteousness 2 Timothy 4:8 “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.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ, which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord. The Crown of Glory 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. Remember Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ. As Paul put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 ). Many have been called and ordained by God to preach and teach His Word. These are the under-shepherds who care for the flock of God and awaiting the return of the Chief Shepherd. They are to give themselves over to the care of the sheep and the Lord’s work. For the crown of unfading glory awaits them when the Chief Shepherd returns. If a pastor ministers to serve himself or to please people or to be praised, or to keep everyone happy then he will have a spiritually dismal ministry for which he will answer. He must not focus on pleasing others but to please God. Jesus alone can assess a man’s ministry and give him proper rewards. Some who appear to be the first may end up last when the Lord examines each man’s ministry. The Crown of Life Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides living water, bread of life. (John 4:10, 6:35). Our earthly lives will end. But we have the stunning promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25). James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? John answers for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). We must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always faithful. As we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us. Closing Notes: The first mention of a crown in the New Testament is a crown of thorns, representative of the curse of thorns and thistles that was placed upon the earth when man sinned in the Garden of Eden. This crown of thorns was placed upon the head of Jesus, but not a crown to acknowledge His kingship. Rather, it intended to mock Him. It brought forth the redemptive, pure blood of the spotless Lamb of God. The crown of thorns was placed upon the Lord’s head by men, but after the resurrection, when the Lord ascended into heaven, He received a crown of glory for the work He had done on this earth. He had lived a sinless life, according to the will of the Father unto death. Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 19: 11,13, 16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True…and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself…The Word of God…..KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 19: 11,13, 16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True…and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself…The Word of God…..KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. The following is from Shari Abbott: Because the crowns are given based on the works done here on earth and the intent of the heart in doing those works, there will be differences in the rewards that we receive. There will likely also be surprise and sadness at all the opportunities we missed, opportunities we let pass by—opportunities to serve the Lord, to share His love and to bring honor and glory to His name. We were created for His pleasure, but all too often we live for our own. We do not want to stand before Jesus with sadness for all the missed opportunities. However, while we should understand that we will receive rewards, we should not live our lives striving for the rewards. We are not to be motivated to do good works by the rewards that we might receive. God wants us to serve Him, fueled by our love for Him. Let us live our lives loving Jesus and growing in knowledge of Him and His Word. Let us learn of His will and ways, so we can trust Him and willingly surrender to Him. Then His Holy Spirit will work in us and through us to be the guiding force in all we think, say and do. We do know that some will receive more rewards than others (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Some will receive the honor of reigning with Christ in the Kingdom to come, others will not (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 3:21). Some will have more treasures and riches than others (Luke 12:21,33;16:11). However, while there may be differences in rewards, there will be no jealousy or envy when we receive our rewards. Jealousy and envy are sin, and we can be assured that, in heaven, our salvation is complete. In heaven, we will have been saved from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin and even from the presence of sin. Plus, all who are in Heaven will have received the praise of God (1 Corinthians 4:5). It’s safe to say, whatever rewards we receive, however many jewels there might be in our crowns, we will not be jealous or envious.
