The Scriptures speak of five crowns that will be awarded to the believer whose life has been faithful to the Lord. These crowns are the victor’s crowns not to be confused with the kingly crown which is Christ’s alone. These five crowns include:
(1) The Crown of Life or "Martyr’s Crown" (Js. 1:12; Rev. 2:10). The believer must love the Lord even more than his own life and be faithful unto death if he is to receive the crown of life. Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it" (Mk. 8:35). "During the coming Great Tribulation many will receive the crown of life because they will be slain for the Word of God and for the testimony which they hold (Rev. 6:9-11)."
(2) The Crown of Glory or "Pastor’s Crown" (1 Pet. 5:2-4). This is for the pastor who feeds the flock and does not lord it over "God’s heritage." He is an example to others and not in the ministry for profit or financial gain. It will be awarded by the "chief shepherd" when He appears.
(3) The Crown of Rejoicing or "Soul Winner’s Crown" (1 Thess. 2:19, 20; Phil. 4:1). This crown is given to those who win souls for the Lord. The winning of souls should be every Christian’s responsibility. The Apostle James explains: "He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (Jas. 5:20).
(4) The Crown of Righteousness for those who "love His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8). This is the crown for those who are looking for the "blessed hope," the return of the Lord for Their own at the Rapture. They are living "soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Tit. 2:12).
(5) The Incorruptible Crown or "Victor’s Crown" (1 Cor. 9:25-27). This is the crown for those who practice self-control over their impulses and desires. Paul was careful to keep his body in subjection, "lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27). Paul was not afraid that he might lose his salvation, but that he might be "disqualified for the prize". Here Paul is thinking of rewards that would be given at the judgment seat of Christ.
In Revelation 4:10 the saints are seen casting "their crowns before the throne." These are not for the believer to boast in, nor take permanent possession of, but to submit unto the Lord in loving adoration.
(1) The Crown of Life or "Martyr’s Crown" (Js. 1:12; Rev. 2:10). The believer must love the Lord even more than his own life and be faithful unto death if he is to receive the crown of life. Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it" (Mk. 8:35). "During the coming Great Tribulation many will receive the crown of life because they will be slain for the Word of God and for the testimony which they hold (Rev. 6:9-11)."
(2) The Crown of Glory or "Pastor’s Crown" (1 Pet. 5:2-4). This is for the pastor who feeds the flock and does not lord it over "God’s heritage." He is an example to others and not in the ministry for profit or financial gain. It will be awarded by the "chief shepherd" when He appears.
(3) The Crown of Rejoicing or "Soul Winner’s Crown" (1 Thess. 2:19, 20; Phil. 4:1). This crown is given to those who win souls for the Lord. The winning of souls should be every Christian’s responsibility. The Apostle James explains: "He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (Jas. 5:20).
(4) The Crown of Righteousness for those who "love His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8). This is the crown for those who are looking for the "blessed hope," the return of the Lord for Their own at the Rapture. They are living "soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Tit. 2:12).
(5) The Incorruptible Crown or "Victor’s Crown" (1 Cor. 9:25-27). This is the crown for those who practice self-control over their impulses and desires. Paul was careful to keep his body in subjection, "lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27). Paul was not afraid that he might lose his salvation, but that he might be "disqualified for the prize". Here Paul is thinking of rewards that would be given at the judgment seat of Christ.
In Revelation 4:10 the saints are seen casting "their crowns before the throne." These are not for the believer to boast in, nor take permanent possession of, but to submit unto the Lord in loving adoration.
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