There will be at least 5 crowns believers will be given as reward at our judgment. The scripture doesn’t give many details about our future rewards or what we will be doing in the new heaven and earth. The bible does tell us we will be kings and priests seated in various places in heaven 1 Peter 2:9. “We will judge the angels” 1 Corinthians 6:3. The body of Christ, the church of believers in heaven will be the arms and legs of Jesus who is the head of all creation in the universe Ephesians 1:20-22. So we will be administering the universal government of God Ephesians 1:10-12. There will be plenty of positions in the kingdom of heaven.
Five crowns are mentioned in the bible. These crowns will be awarded by Jesus to believers who are worthy. A crown is a symbol of authority like a badge of royalty. Make no mistake, our entry into heaven will come with rewards for those who strive to please the God they love. The New Testament tell us about 5 types of crowns that will be awarded to believers.
The Imperishable Crown
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25” Our walk of faith is compared to a race of endurance with rules we must follow. We keep our eyes on the prize. We practice self-control bringing our mind and body under control in everything. Our walk is one of patience and “endurance which produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” Romans 5:4-6.
The Crown of Life
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him James 1:12. Apostle Paul and James agree that it’s a privilege to suffer for Christ. James 1:2 says “Consider it all joy when we suffer various trials”. They are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. This crown is for all believers. The crown will shine brighter for those who endure greater sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” Revelation 2:10.
The Crown of Righteousness
“The victor’s crown of righteousness, Now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearance” 2 Timothy 4:8. The crown of righteousness Is promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. By enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we can be sure of our reward; and will be with Christ when He returns. This crown is not for those who depend upon their own righteousness or of their own works. That kind of attitude breeds only arrogance and pride. This crown is for those who are both humble and righteous and have a fervent desire to be with the Lord. These are those who not only put on the righteousness of Christ but also live up to by their righteous acts.
The Crown of Rejoicing
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1 Thessalonians 2:19. Feast or famine believers are to “always rejoice” Philippians 4:4. This is not our world if we are suffering, remember Christ suffered first, for us. Our suffering now is not in vain. The God of mercy knows our trials and how we endured with hope; we will be rewarded, so rejoice. Rejoice at His name “Jesus”, rejoice in His word, rejoice in the bountiful blessings He has given you. We have no reason not to rejoice in the Lord. Our present suffering is nothing compared to the riches and glory we will receive for it Romans 8:18.
The Crown of Glory
“When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” 1 Peter 5:4. Even though Peter is writing to pastors and church leaders the crown of glory will also be awarded to all those who faithfully teach and preach the word of God without deceit or greed. Jesus said to Peter three times “If you love me, feed my sheep?” John 21:15-17 . “If you love Him you will obey Him” 1 John 5:2.
It’s the responsibility of every believer to obey the word of God and be a living example, and speak the truth of Jesus Christ. Believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, and made into the very likeness of Christ Himself. Paul said, “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.