Five Special Crowns for True and Faithful Believers
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our LORD advises all true believers to walk in obedience to all HIS teachings and earn “treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt 6:20). These “treasures” are also referred to in other passages of the NT as “crowns.” JESUS promises that when HE returns, HE will reward us with “crowns” that we have earned and urges us to “hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Rev 3:11).
The NT highlights five special “Crowns” for true believers.
“Crown of Glory” for Faithful Servants: “And when the CHIEF SHEPHERD appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (1 Pe 5:4). Those who have serve JESUS CHRIST faithfully, lovingly and obediently in their everyday life will receive their reward from GOD. Though they have often given thanklessly of their time, effort and resources here on earth, in heaven they shall receive a Crown of Glory from GOD.
“Crown of Rejoicing” For Soul Winners: “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 Th 2:19). Those who have won others to faith in JESUS CHRIST as their SAVIOR will experience joy because these new believers are their spiritual children. Because others have been converted under their ministry they are promised this special reward in heaven.
“Crown of Righteousness” For those Who Love the Return of JESUS: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous JUDGE, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for HIS appearing” (2 Ti 4:8). This crown will be given to all true believers who long for the return of CHRIST. Throughout the NT, Christians are reminded to be watchful for the imminent return of their LORD. We must live in active faith, vital lives in anticipation and holiness as though JESUS CHRIST will return today.
“Incorruptible Crown” For Victorious Lives of Purity: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever”(1 Co 9:25). Borrowing imagery from athletic contests, Paul tells us that we (the true followers of CHRIST) must exercise discipline – Spiritual discipline – if we are to experience victory in CHRIST. To be prepared for such spiritual discipline, Paul encourages us to daily “Put on the full armour of GOD, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). Accordingly, those faithful Christians who are victorious in their spiritual struggle will receive an Incorruptible Crown.
* Spiritual discipline: Spiritual discipline is the development of our inner being, that which has been transformed by CHRIST at salvation (2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ).
* Redeemed believers have experienced the total renewal of the whole person from within, involving differences in thought, feeling and character that may be slower to be evident in our outward behaviour.
* This is what Paul had in mind when he spoke of taking off the "old self" and putting on the new, (Col 3: 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its CREATOR. )
"Crown of Life” For Christian Martyrs: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death and I will give you the Crown of Life” (Rev 2 :10).
CHRIST promises a Crown of Life for all those true followers through the ages that have suffered martyrdom for their active faith in HIM. HIS followers have experienced persecution in every century. Even today hundreds of thousands of true followers die throughout the world as martyrs for their active and true faith in CHRIST.
We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.
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(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)
From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"
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