5 heavenly crowns

1. Crown of life

2. Incorruptible Crown

3. Crown of Righteousness

4. Crown of Glory

5. Crown of Rejoicing

5 heavenly crowns, are unlike the usual crowns we know that crowned kings and queens, but each crown represents a reward as promised in the Gospels for a specific act of service or perseverance.

.1.

Crown of Life

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tired, he shall receive the crown of life.." – James 1:12

Those who compete in the Olympics devote their entire lives solely for that end goal - the Olympic gold medal. Their days and hours are dedicated to exhausting training, pushing their bodies beyond boundaries, testing their limits and their strong commitment to strict dieting while resisting temptations. What stops them from quitting? And what motivates them to go through this exhausting daily routine?

Our faith is constantly tested whenever we face challenging times in life. Temptations lure us towards the darkness, and we face trials and tribulations where our patience and perseverance is evaluated. It doesn't get any easier with time. It gets harder.

"For when he is tired, he shall receive the crown of life.." Knowing this gives us the motivation and hope to endure all of life's obstacles.

So what is the crown of life?

"..Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" - Revelation 3:11

The crown of life is not eternal life let's not get that mistaken, as the eternal life is a gift, given to everyone and to those who believe in Christ for it. The crown of life is a recognition and honour to those who earned it by faithfully serving Him, which then, as mention in Revelation 3:12," will make him a pillar in the temple of My God... and will write on him My new name."

.2.

Incorruptible Crown

"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..." - 1 Corinthian 9:25

What am I competing for ? And what must I do to earn the prize? Two valid questions we each should ask ouselves.

The olympic runner must run a 10 K run, which is 25 laps to reach the finish line at the end of the race. Through training, the runner has disciplined his body, his endurance and successfully run all 25 laps to the finish line.

"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.." - Corinthians 9:26-27

Our existence here on earth is a race where we need to keep running until we reach the finish line. This requires a lot of endurance and self-control! With self-control, we can resist temptations and distractions that are a detour from the finish line. With our goal being clear, we are motivated to keep running and keep fighting until the end.

Unlike our flesh in this world we live in, the incorruptible crown is imperishable, just like His incorruptible blood and flesh given to us through communion, His incorruptible holy spirit bestowed upon us through baptism and the incorruptible inheritance that we are promised. This crown is Immortal.

.3.

Crown of righteousness

"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me one that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." – 2 Timothy 4:8

The crown of righteousness is a crown for those who are ready and waiting for Christ's coming. A more intimate crown for those with a close, loving relationship with Him.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

The Apostle Paul mentioned three things he achieved – He fought a good fight, completed his course, and kept his faith in his achievements; he is ready to receive Him. A promise given to those who Love Him and waiting for His second coming will receive "The crown of righteousness" personally by the Lord Himself.

.4.

The Crown of Glory

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion 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

Specifically for all the pastors, apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, ministers, and every person responsible for watching over God's flock – His children.

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." – Mark 16:14

It is not a task that you are "forced" to do, nor to gain an advantage or power. Because you love, you have taken on the responsibility of being a shepherd of God's flock. Compassion, kindness and patience. We are reminded that God is the "Chief Shepherd" from Whom we will receive "the crown of glory". A selfless act with a glorious reward.

.5.

Crown of Rejoicing

Also known as the Crown of Exultation.

"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?" - 1 Thessalonians 2:19

This crown gives us hope. God is asking us to be patient and not to worry because when the day comes, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more pain or suffering as mentioned in Revelation 21:4. We are given peace of mind and hope. A comforting reminder that in the end, our perseverance with our faith will soon be rewarded, and in the end, it is all worth it.