Crowns In Heaven

There has been a lot of talk as to whether there will be crowns in Heaven. And a lot of people either are ignorant or just lazy and don’t want to read their Bibles to get the truth in the word of God. As born again Christians, all things must be guided by the word of truth, and the word of truth is the word of God. In order for us to understand what the word of God says, we MUST be filled with the Holy Spirit of God, not MAYBE but a MUST.

The word of God is very clear, and it talks about 5 different crowns that will be given to some of God’s people when they enter into Heaven after the Last Judgment. The word Crown in Greek language is Stephanos and it is translated as such in the Bible, especially in versions descending from the KJV. The word stephanos means a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games, or a symbol of honor generally.There has been a lot of talk as to whether there will be crowns in Heaven. And a lot of people either are ignorant or just lazy and don’t want to read their Bibles to get the truth in the word of God. As born again Christians, all things must be guided by the word of truth, and the word of truth is the word of God. In order for us to understand what the word of God says, we MUST be filled with the Holy Spirit of God, not MAYBE but a MUST.

The word of God is very clear, and it talks about 5 different crowns that will be given to some of God’s people when they enter into Heaven after the Last Judgment. The word Crown in Greek language is Stephanos and it is translated as such in the Bible, especially in versions descending from the KJV. The word stephanos means a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games, or a symbol of honor generally. 

This word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards of heaven God promises those who are faithfully. If you look very closely at what these crowns are going to be for, they will be for work that is done for God that is beyond the normal scope of what the average Christian may attempt to do. This is for work that goes far, above, and beyond what the average Christian may actually strive for.  

This crowns are to be guarded. Jesus says, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that on-one will take your crown.”(Revelation 3:11)

Just like trophies, rings, and plaques are given to sports heroes or winning teams in sports, God apparently is going to be doing the same thing in heaven. He will be giving out certain types of crowns for the people who were willing to go that extra mile, who were willing to give that extra special effort in whatever God had called them to do.

These crowns are incorruptible and will last for all eternity. They will be a special mark and special token given by our Lord to honor and reward all those who have faithfully served Him in this life, way above and beyond what an average Christian would have considered doing for Him. So, someone would ask, is it possible to go to Heaven and miss out on a crown? Yes, very possible, actually many will miss the crown, and they will just be mere residents in Heaven but no crown to show for it. But before I talk about that, lets dive into the different crowns. Now here are the five special crowns mentioned in the word of God:

1. The Crown of Righteousness.
2. The Incorruptible Crown.
3. The Crown of Life.
4. The Crown of Rejoicing.
5. The Crown of Glory.

1. The Crown of Righteousness

This crown/Stephanos will be given to all those who lived a good and righteous life for God while on Earth. The word righteousness has two definitions in the Bible. One, is we have now all been made righteous before God the Father as a result of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. So the righteousness of Jesus has now been imputed to us. Second, the word righteousness refers to us living a good and righteous life for God the Father with what time we still have left down here.

There are Christians who are righteous before God the Father as a result of being saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, called justification but they are not living righteous lives in their actions, words, and behaviors called sanctification. It is very important in our actions, words and behaviors to live righteous lives for the Glory of God. Actions, words and behaviors matter to God. The enemy has deceived many on this three things.

They are out committing adultery, conning people, aborting due to unprotected intercourse, killing others (due to many reasons like money, land etc), stealing, destroying other people’s marriages/relationships, disuniting families and friendships, abusing their spouses and children, doing drugs and abusing alcohol. These people may be saved in God’s eyes, but God is not too happy with the way they are living their lives.

We all know Christians who are like this. No one is perfect. We all have our character flaws, weaknesses, and certain temptations that we have a hard time in dealing with. God is not looking for total God-perfection. Because all men have sinned and fallen short of His glory. What He only expects from us is at least some kind of concerted effort to try and live lives “right.” To stay away from heavier sins especially the 10 commandments. 

This is what is meant in Scripture in trying to live a good and righteous life. In other words – just do the right thing as best as you can and as often as you can. These Crowns are lost when good deeds are done with bad intention. Jesus says, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR REWARD in full.” (Matthew 6:2)

We all know right from wrong! God just wants each one of us to choose to do the right thing when faced with certain temptations or choices to do something bad. And when we are having a hard time in trying to do the right thing, we have the power of the Holy Spirit Himself in the inside of us to help us out.

We also know Christians who are “righteous” down to the very cores of their personalities. These are the people who never have anything bad to say about anyone else. They hardly ever lose their tempers, they are totally selfless, and they would give you the shirt off their backs if they had to. We refer to them as being “saints, angels, or angelic.” The world refers to them as “goody two shoes.” The world has always made fun of these types of people. They never joined the crowds in school in trying out funny stuff because it just never felt “right” to them.

They were willing to be laughed at and ridiculed by others for not joining in with the rest of the crowd. They have always stayed true to themselves and to their basic convictions and would never go against their basic sense of right versus wrong.

These are the people you will be seeing wearing “crowns of righteousness” in heaven. These are the people that God is going to be rewarding big-time when they get into heaven because of the godly and righteous lives they have lived down here on this earth. These types of righteous people just make the world we live in that much of a better place to live and work in because they are just so pleasant to be around and work with.

For those of you who may think being righteous is too corny and not being cool – just remember what the Bible has to say about this issue, and how highly God the Father values this quality in His people! And when it is all finally said and done, these types of Christians will probably be receiving some of the greatest and biggest rewards that God can hand out once they enter into heaven. These people will end up having the last laugh on all of those who have made fun of them in this lifetime for always wanting to do the right thing.

The Bible says that many of the first will be last once we all enter into heaven and receive our final rewards from God based upon the earthly works we did for Him.

To live a good and righteous life for God will really be worth your while, as you will definitely be given this crown by God Himself once you enter into heaven and who knows what else from His bag of goodies! Here is the verse. This is the apostle Paul talking:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) 

This crown Paul is talking about is real, and it will be given to those who will be deserving of it not just anyone.

2. The Incorruptible Crown

According to the NKJV its referred to as the “imperishable” crown, the original KJV its referred to as the “incorruptible” crown. Bible scholars refer to it as the “victor’s” crown. This crown/Stephanos is given to believers who faithfully run the race, who crucify every selfish desire in flesh and point men to Jesus. Professional athletes are a good example. They have to go through training camp to get ready for the season. They have to watch their diets and weight in order to be able to successfully compete in the sport they are in. Paul tells us that we should all run the race of this life to receive what will be an incorruptible or imperishable crown that obviously can only be given by God the Father in heaven.

God calls some people to do things that will require some sacrifice in the way they will live and conduct their lives. Some people are called to be a Bible teachers, missionaries in a far off and poor country. They will literally be working for almost nothing in earthly terms. They will have to sacrifice the money, possessions and life style they could have had, if they stayed home in their own country.

The Bible says,

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an IMPERISHABLE CROWN. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Bottom line is,

"Run whatever race or call that God has set out for you. Run that race with certainty, purpose, and intensity. Run that race to win. Run that race to be the best you can be for God at the position that He has called you to be on His team. Be willing to make whatever sacrifices it may take to successfully complete the mission and call God has set out for you.” If you are willing to do this for the Lord, you just may receive an “incorruptible victor’s crown” for going the extra mile for God and accomplishing for Him what many Christians would be to lazy to shoot for.

3. The Crown of Life

This crown/Stephanos has been called the “martyr’s crown” by many. And Jesus says that He will give this crown to those that undergo tribulations, physical deaths, severe hardships and/or testing on His behalf.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1: 12)

The thing is, the Bible doesn't say anything about these 5 crowns ranked in any particular order. But if they were to be ranked, I believe this crown will be number one out of all the others. Reason being, willing to die for your faith in God and Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice one would do. Its the greatest act of bravery and courage that you can show God the Father. All Christians around the world who have had to die because of standing with the faith in God and Jesus, this crown is awaiting them but also I believe they will receive other kinds of rewards too in Heaven.

So what about all those men and women who die either to save their follow sisters or brothers, or soldiers in combat fighting for their nation, a fireman trying to save a child then dies, what about these people? Well Jesus says that when you are tying to do something to help out the least of your brethren, you are doing it for Him. I believe they will also receive their honor from God the Father accordingly.

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the CROWN OF LIFE.” (Revelation 2:10)

So, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

4. The Crown of Rejoicing

This crown/Stephanos has been called the “soul winner’s crown.” Apostle Paul calls those he has saved his “joy” and his “crown of rejoicing.” This crown basically will be given to those that have been very instrumental in getting people saved and led to God through the blood of Jesus His Son. This crown is different from the rest. Leading people to God through His Son Jesus, that person will receive eternal salvation and eternal life because you accepted to be His vessel. God will simply be judging you by your willingness and desire to be used by Him to witness to others, and this could be some of your unsaved family members, co-workers or friends, people who are right there around you.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

God is a master in being able to organize and structure your everyday activities, and still have enough time left over in the course of a day, week, or month in which to continue to build you up in His Word, and at the same time, arrange for you to be able to help others out on a one-on-one basis for either witnessing to them get them saved, or teaching others about God and the Bible in order to help properly disciple them after they have been saved. Here is the verse from Paul about this soul winner’s crown:

"For what is our hope, or joy, or CROWN OF REJOICING? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

Paul calls those who are in the presence of Jesus at His second coming his “crown of rejoicing.” You cannot be in the presence of Jesus at His second coming unless you have already been saved. People believe that Paul is thus implying that a crown will be given to those who are instrumental in getting others saved and into the presence of Jesus.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where God will wipe every tear from our eyes according to the book of Revelation.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

5. The Crown of Glory

This crown/Stephanos has been called the shepherd’s/Elder’s crown. Shepherds/Elders lead the flock into the ways and knowledge of God. They are teachers who are Godly examples to the flock of believers that were entrusted and assigned to their care. These could be the ministers who teach the Word of God in their ministries, andor people who are appointed by God into the office of a teacher like a Myles Monroe, the pastors or Sunday school teachers etc.

God will be giving His teachers and shepherds this crown due to the extreme importance of bringing up others into the knowledge and ways of God. Its not just the end when you get saved, its just the beginning. God wants you to grow in His knowledge and grace by reading from the Bible and learning as much as you can about Him, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

When you get saved, you become a newborn and when you begin to read the Bible on your own you might not be able to understand, so you need immediate help from a shepherd/teacher in trying to learn more about God and all of His ways. Its a process and it takes time, but you need a teachable and willing spirit to learn and grow.

God is always looking for shepherds and teachers to help educate and teach His flock. You therefore need to spend some good quality time in the Bible and have a good understanding of the basics before He can really use you to educate and teach others.

You don't need to teach a big crowd on a Sunday service or a crusade, No. God can lead just a few people for you to work with on a one-on-one basis at a time and a place that is convenient for the both of you to work at. The fact that God will be giving out a crown for this type of special service shows you the extreme importance that He is placing on it. One of the greatest things you can do for another person is leading them to Christ. Obviously because with the gift of salvation comes the gift of eternal life. And maybe the second greatest thing you could do for them this side of Heaven is being willing to teach and educate them into the ways and knowledge of God after they have been saved.

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the CROWN OF GLORY that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

This crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. The word  GLORY is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. We recall Stephen who while being stoned to death was able to look on the heavens and see the Glory of God. This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is.

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56)

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Roman 8:18)

A crown will be given that will never fade away. The only way a crown could be given that will never fade away is if the crown is given up in heaven where nothing perishes or fades away not on earth.  All these crowns are permanent, incorruptible, and will never fade away. They will last for all eternity.

These crowns will be cast down before Jesus at His Throne. 

The Twenty-four Elders fall down before Him who sits on the Throne, and worship Him who lives for Ever and Ever. They LAY THEIR CROWNS BEFORE THE THRONE and say: You are worthy, our Lord and God, to Receive Glory and Honor and Power, for you created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:10-11)

That if you confess with your mouth,

"Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the scripture says, “Everyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” (Roman 10:9-11)

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105)