The Crown of Life

Lord, give me understanding as I study these Scriptures today.


"...Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10)


"...the twenty-four elders fall down before Him Who sits on the throne and worship Him ... and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power ..." (Revelation 4:10-11).


After our life is over, we're going to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and crowns will be given, based on our service to the Lord. And there are five crowns mentioned in the Bible.


There's the incorruptible crown, for the person who lives a pure and a godly life (1 Corinthians 9:25). Those who run the race with discipline and strive for mastery will win this crown.


There's the crown of rejoicing, the soul winner's crown (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). What a rejoicing there will be when we see those in heaven that we brought to Jesus!


The crown of glory is the shepherd's crown (1 Peter 5:2-4). And it's not just for pastors, but for anyone who shepherds a flock. A leader of a Bible class or a mom who shepherded the little sheep in her family will have this crown.


The crown of life is the martyr's crown James 1:12). Thank God for those who have lived for Jesus and died for Jesus, who will receive this crown!


Lastly, there is the crown of righteousness for those who love the appearing of our Lord (2 Timothy 4:8). Many who think they'll receive this crown will not, because it's not the appearing of Jesus they really love; it's their disappearing. They just want Christ to return so they can get out of this world and leave their troubles behind! This crown goes only to those who truly long to see Jesus Face to face.


Now, a crown is a precious thing for you to have in heaven because you'll be able to cast it before the One Who is worthy of all honor, glory and praise! Don't you want a crown to lay at the feet of the One Who laid down His life for you?


~Adrian Rogers~