As part of our sermon series at Victory Church we have been studying what the bible teaches about heaven (Podcasts available). We have been camping on the theme of heaven for quite a few weeks and in particular the rewards or crowns given for service whilst here on earth this is an overview of the notes free to download and study for yourselves;

Pastor Richard Taylor – Victory Church – Sermon Series (Heaven)

There are five crowns mentioned in the New Testament that may be won by Believers. They each have to do with the Believer’s works and will be given at the Judgment Seat of Christ, sometimes called The Bema Seat. II Cor.5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done. Whether it be good or bad.”

1. The Crown of “LIFE

This is the “Martyr’s” crown, and is mentioned twice.

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation (testing), for when he is `tried’ (at the Judgment Seat of Christ), he shall receive the `Crown of Life’ which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.”

Rev.2:10 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried (tested) and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful `unto death,’ and I will give thee a `Crown of Life.”

Notice it does not say “until” death, but “unto” death. They were not to recant but to remain faithful unto a martyr’s death. To recant was to lose the crown. This refers to the martyrs of the Tribulation Period. Rev. 20:4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

2. The Crown of “GLORY

This is the “Elder’s” or “Pastor’s” crown, given by the Chief Shepherd when He shall appear. But it is not for those who serve for “filthy lucre” or “lord it over God’s heritage.” 1 Pet.5:2-4 “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” Many times Pastors receive very little recognition here in this life, but brethren we are not home yet. Christ’s “Well done thou good and faithful servant” will make it all worth while.

3. The Crown of “REJOICING

This is the “Soul Winner’s” crown. The souls that we have brought to Jesus by us will be our “crown of rejoicing” at His Coming. 1 Thess.2:19-20 “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy.” Phil.4:1 “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” There is an old song that says “Will there be any stars in my crown?” That song must have been inspired by this verse in the book of Daniel. Dan.12:3 “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” The more souls we have won to Christ, the more stars will be in our Soul Winner’s Crown.

4. The Crown of “RIGHTEOUSNESS

This is the crown of those who “love His appearing” and will be given in “that day”– the Day of His Appearing.

2 Tim.4:6-:8 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” On the isle of Patmos John prayed “Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:21)

5. The Crown “INCORRUPTIBLE

This is the “Victor’s” crown, and is for those who “keep under their body”; who do not yield to their fleshly lusts; who do not permit themselves to be diverted from the Master’s work by worldly amusements and pleasure, nor saturate their body with drugs. 1 Cor.9:24-27 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

If we do not want to be “ashamed at His Coming,” Let us see to it that we keep our body “under” and so live that we shall secure an incorruptible crown. 1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”