22. The Crowns
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THE CROWNS
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown" (Revelation 3:11).
At the Judgment Seat of Christ, where the believer will be judged for his “works,” Christ will give crowns to those who deserve rewards. The believer’s “works” will be tested as by fire. Some works will be burned, causing the believer to suffer loss, while other works will endure, for which the believer will receive a reward. It will be a “crowning day” for those who will receive rewards. The New Testament speaks of five crowns.
The Crown of Life-James 1:12;Revelation 2:10
The “crown of Life” is the “martyr’s” crown. It is mentioned twice in the Scriptures. It will be given to those who suffer persecution for Christ’s sake. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life"
The Crown of Glory-1 Peter 5:2-4
This is the “Elder’s or Pastor’s” crown. It will be for those who have faithfully taught Christ’s teachings because of their love for Christ. The Crown of Rejoicing-1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
This is the “soul-winner’s” crown. It will be given to those who have won souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be a great reward just to see those whom we have won.
May we do and say only that which can be used to save many souls, without hope of personal reward or gratitude. Some Christians may drive sinful men away from Christ because of their attitude toward those in sin, for the simple reason that they show on their faces their own condemnation of the sinner. “Judge not that ye be not judged"
Every Christian should rejoice continually for his own salvation. The first thing a soul-winner should cultivate is a cheerful countenance (2 Timothy 2:24-26) that he may show to the unconverted, with great joy, the love of Jesus Christ.
The Crown of Righteousness-2 Timothy 4:8
This crown is for those who are looking for the appearing of Christ. It will be given on the day of His appearing. There are a great many people today who do not believe in the personal return of Christ in spite of the fact that Jesus said “I will come again" He will come as He went. “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).
The Crown Incorruptible-1 Corinthians 9:25-27
This crown is the Victor’s crown. It is for those who “keep under the body" It is for those who do not yield to fleshly lusts, for those who do not let worldly amusements and pleasures interrupt or interfere with God’s work. The greatest battles of life are fought in the heart. Let us accept the help of Jesus, and He will win our battles for us. Let us win a Victor’s crown.
“What a friend we have in Jesus.”