FIVE CROWNS IN THE BIBLE

There are five crowns mentioned in the New Testament. It is very important to us to be sure what are their meanings in terms of eternal life.

A. Crown of life, sometimes called the lover’s crown. —James 1:12

1. We receive strength to overcome temptation and endure trials through the love of God. Without His love in our hearts, trials can cause us to become bitter, critical, and lose the crown of life.

2. This is the crown received for being “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10).

3. To receive it, we must love the Lord more than life. — Mark 8:35

B. The crown of rejoicing, called the soul-winner’s crown. — 1 Thess. 2:19-20. The greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lard is to bring others to accept Christ as their personal Savior.

1. Why win souls?

a) Because it is wise to win the lost. — Prov. 11:30

b) Because it is a work against sin. —James 5:20

c) Because it is a cause for joy in heaven. — Luke 15:10

d) Because every soul-winner will shine as the stars forever. — Dan. 12:3

2. How can we win souls?

a) With our lives. Others see Christ in us as we show His love working in life situations. — 2 Cor. 3:2

b) With our voices. Verbally witness for Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to give us power. — Acts 1:8

c) With our giving. Give tithes and offerings that others also may preach Christ and so be fruitful. — Phil. 4:15- 17

C. The Crown of Righteousness — 2 Tim. 4:8

1. This crown is earned by the believer who looks for and loves the second coming of Christ. Paul could say, “I have fought a good fight” (v. 7a).

2. Paul won his spiritual battle. He could add “I have finished my course” (v. 7b).

3. He kept his eyes on Christ. — Phil. 1:6 Finally, he could say, “I have kept the faith” (v. 7c).

D. The Crown of glory. — 1 Peter 5:4

1. This is the crown for the faithful, obedient overcomer.

2. The Chief Shepherd Himself gives it. It is eternal; it “fadeth not away” (Matt. 10:41).

E. The Incorruptible Crown — 1 Cor. 9:24-25

1. This is the crown for victorious living. The key to victory is a disciplined life, whether in the Olympic games or in the Christian life. An athlete denies himself many things his body craves; a Christian must subdue his body.

F. The New Testament contains rules for believers to win the crown of victory:

1. The consecrated believer will deny self of anything that would weigh him down and hinder him. — Heb. 12:1

2. The consecrated believer will keep his eyes fixed on Christ. — Heb. 12:2

3. The consecrated believer will place his all upon the altar of the Lord. — Ram. 12:1-2

4. The consecrated believer will, by faith, refuse anything that would impede spiritual progress. — Heb. 11:24-29

There is no way to win this crown and be a spectator to the Christian life. We must enter the race and run to win!