What crowns does a Christian receive?
Scripture speaks of crowns of which there are two kinds in the Greek language. The crown of the type diadem is the king’s crown, pertaining to the royal nature of the person or position. The Lord Jesus Christ wears a diadem being royalty (Revelation 19:12). The crown others wear, usually as a reward say after winning a race, is the stephanos, which is best described as the victor’s crown. This crown is awarded to the winner of a race, spoken of by Paul. The one who overcomes in spiritual warfare is crowned with a stephanos (used 18 times in Scripture) at the Judgement Seat of the Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10). There are five crowns (στέφανος) available for reward, which Jesus speaks of using a parable (Luke 19:11-27). The crowns are provided as rewards, and will indicate the authority given to a saved believer and their level of responsibility in the millennial reign.
Scripture |
Crown |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 | Incorruptible | This crown is awarded to the one who has exercised self-control in all things, and gained mastery over the flesh – that is the "old man" or natural man – the sin-nature of all. In essence it means the one who has his or her life controlled by the Holy Spirit. |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 | Rejoicing | The evangelist who win's souls for Jesus our Messiah is provided the crown of rejoicing. The fruit of the labour of the evangelist is people coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ - Yeshua and Messiah. |
| 2 Timothy 4:8 | Righteousness | The crown of life is provided to the one who has endured trials, keeping faith (in the ways of the Bible and in moral living) and who 'love His appearing'. Hence the focus is always on Christ, the Saviour, thus a Christian needs to be expectant of Christ's return and long for it. |
| James 1:12; Revelation 2:10 |
Life | The one who endures – does not stumble or fall away due to temptations (affliction or trials) and for the one who suffers martyrdom for their faith in Jesus Christ. |
| 1 Peter 5:2-4 | Glory | This crown belongs to the one who faithfully tends the flock of God, hence available to those that feed the sheep meat of the Word of God. |
