THE CROWNS OF HEAVEN – PART II
Please open your Bible to Revelation 3:11 as we continue our series on Eternal Rewards with today’s message, “The Crowns of Heaven – Part II.”
At this precise moment, you are preparing for eternity. And very soon, you will stand before Jesus, at His judgment seat and in that moment, He will determine what rewards you will receive. Imagine that moment when Jesus our Savior and King, crowns you with a dazzling crown of splendor that is forever backed by His royal authority. Imagine that all who wear these crowns will be given the right to rule and reign with Jesus forever.
Last week we looked at the Crown of Faithfulness. Today, I hope to get through the other four crowns. In preaching this message, I humbly ask that you forgive me for my pathetic attempt to describe these indescribable, incomprehensible, and unbelievable crowns. However, I pray that this message will put a fire in your soul to seek Jesus Christ and His kingdom and receive the great eternal crowns of heaven.
Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. NKJV
HOLD ONTO YOUR CROWN
The Bible speaks of at least 5 crowns that I believe are among the greatest rewards in heaven. When you hear the word crowns, many think of earthly crowns worn by earthly kings. But the crowns of heaven are eternal crowns and their eternal value is so magnificent that Jesus said, “Do not let anyone take your crown.” Paul knew what these crowns represented, and his desire to gain these crowns was so great, that he refused to let anyone or anything stand in his way to receive them. That’s why he said we must live our lives worthy of the calling of Christ, which should be the attitude of every believer.
THE PURSUIT OF ETERNAL REWARDS
Before we dive into the beauty of these great crowns, I first want to lay some groundwork. One of the most serious truths regarding our heavenly rewards is found in the three kinds of Christians that will be revealed at the judgment seat of Christ. Where you fit in with these three categories will determine the level of your rewards and crowns.
First, there is the carnal Christian. A carnal Christian is saved, and believes in Jesus, but is not dedicated in their desire to follow Jesus. The big problem for the carnal Christian, is that they will be in heaven, but they will suffer very severe loss at the judgment seat and not gain any of the great rewards of heaven. You cannot live a fruitless, carnal lifestyle and expect to gain the great rewards of heaven.
The second type of Christians are those I call the casual, loveless Christians of Revelation 2. These Christians know Jeus, but they’re not in love with Jesus. They are not carnal, but neither are they passionate about their love for Jesus. They are causal about their relationship with Jesus. They don’t mind serving Him if it fits in with their schedule.
A third type of Christian are those who are deeply passionate about Jesus. The main difference between a passionate Christian, and a casual or carnal Christian is their love for Jesus. The passionate Christian is not ashamed to be identified in their love for Jesus. They are not ashamed to suffer for the name of Jesus.
The point is, God knows there are carnal Christians, casual Christians, and deeply passionate Christians
who love Jesus. That’s why at the Judgment Seat of Christ, God will reveal before all the host of heaven, what kind of Christian you were on earth. You do not want to stand before Jesus as a carnal or a casual Christian. When He examines your life, you want Him to find that you had a passionate love for Him, because the greater your love and faithfulness to Jesus, the greater your reward.
Colossians 3:23 is a scripture that has helped me stay focused on this great truth…
Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men… NKJV
Your passion and love should be for Jesus Christ and not the false trinkets of the world.
To move from a carnal, casual Christian, to a faithful, passionate Christian, all comes down to level of your love for Jesus. The more you fall in love with Jesus, and recognize the great price He paid to give you eternal life, the more you will love Him, and be faithful to Him. The other side of that is, the less you are in love with Jesus, the less likely you will choose to heartly serve Him. Your love for Jesus is the number one basis of great rewards in heaven. Not all of us can preach, or teach or be a missionary, but, all us can fall in love with Jesus, and love Him heartily in all that we do. That’s what He is looking for.
Again, these crowns are among the greatest rewards of heaven. These crowns, are eternal crowns, that forever represent your eternal position and status in God’s Kingdom. There are some who will receive all 5 crowns. There are some who will receive one or two crowns, and then sadly, there are some who will not receive any crowns… and that is something you don’t want happening to you. That’s why your love and faithfulness to Jesus is so vitally important. These magnificent crowns are so indescribable and yet, God promises to reward anyone with these great crowns who meet the qualification to heartily love Jesus.
THE CROWN OF LIFE OR THE MARTYRS CROWN
One of the greatest crowns of heaven is the Crown of Life or the Martyr’s Crown.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. NIV
All Christians are given eternal life. But there is also a very special crown called the Crown of Life given to those who love Jesus so much, that they faithfully endure temptations and trials and the many tests of life, including the greatest test of all, persecution and martyrdom.
This crown is so special to Jesus, that it is specifically mentioned twice in the New Testament.
Personally, I’m not sure I want this crown, because I do not want to be persecuted. However, Jesus said in Matthew 5 that persecution is part of our life as a believer.
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven… NKJV
I believe the great reward Jesus is talking about here, is the Crown of Life.
Christians all over the world, including America are being targeted for persecution. We live in a time of Bible prophecy when Christians are now called the enemy. The reality is, we are the enemy. We are the enemy of Satan. We are the enemy of evil and sin and ungodly living.
Throughout Church history, believers have suffered incredible persecution because of their love for
Jesus, and in James 1:12, and Revelation 2:10, God promises to reward every persecuted believer
with the Crown of Life who has faithfully endured the test.
James said…when he has stood the test… Not if, but WHEN…
As a believer in Christ, you will be tested. Not once, not twice, but hundreds of times in innumerable ways, again and again and again… you will be tested.
The key is not that you will be tested, because without a doubt you will be; the key is to endure, and for those who endure the test, God promises to reward us with the Crown of Life.
Jesus said… Revelation 2:10 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. NKJV
How long are we to be faithful? Until death… The point is, Jesus said that some people will face death because of their great love and faithfulness to Him.
Eight men wrote the New Testament. According to church history, seven of them were martyred. Matthew was killed with a sword. James was also killed with the sword. Mark was dragged through the streets of Alexandria by a team of wild horses until he was dead. Luke was hung from an Olive tree. John survived the ordeal of being thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil and was banished to the isle of Patmos. Jude and Peter were crucified. Throughout the past 2000 years, thousands upon thousands of Christians have joyfully laid down their lives because of their love for Jesus Christ. That’s how you win the Crown of Life.
The ultimate key to the crown of life is found in the last phrase of James 1:12.
…those who love him… Many people suffer for various reasons. But those reasons will not reward them with the crown of life. This crown is only for those who suffer and endure to the end, because of their love for Jesus. Remember what I said earlier, the level of your love for Jesus will determine the greatness of your rewards in His kingdom.
CROWN OF REJOICING
Another great crown is the Crown of Rejoicing or the soul winner’s crown.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 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? 20 For you are our glory and joy. NKJV
Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. NKJV
The crown of rejoicing is given to those who take part in evangelism to lead others to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. This is a crown that I absolutely want. It has always been my desire to lead people to Jesus. The number one reason why I preach and teach, is with the hope that someone will give their life to Jesus, and grow stronger in their walk with God. The greatest joy you will ever know, is the joy of leading a person to Jesus Christ.
Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. NIV
When you look up on a clear night, you can see the brilliant stars across the night sky. Those stars are billions of miles away, and yet, they shine so brightly, we can see their light. God says those who lead others into His kingdom will shine brighter than the brightest stars in the universe. Listen again to
Paul’s words in I Thessalonians 2…
1 Thessalonians 2:19 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? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Imagine the great roll call in heaven, when the Lamb’s Book of Life is opened and the names of those
you have led to Christ are called. Imagine the moment when Jesus our King, crowns you with the Soul Winner’s Crown of Joy.
Imagine the glorious thrill of seeing those who are there because you led them to Jesus. Imagine the brightness of your crown that shines brighter than the brightest stars of heaven.
Imagine for all eternity those you have led to Christ will rejoice with you with unspeakable joy, because you introduced them to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Because you led them to Jesus, they have eternal life and will experience the glory and wonder of all that God has in store for them in great Kingdom of Glory. If you really want to bless someone, lead them to Jesus.
THE CROWN OF GLORY
Another one of the great crowns of heaven is the Crown of Glory found in 1 Peter 5.
1 Peter 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. NKJV
This crown of glory is for those who honor the Lord as a shepherd. A shepherd is usually the pastor, but can also include ministry leaders such as teachers who faithfully care, and feed, and guide God’s people down the path of godly truth and righteousness.
What many do not realize is that pastors and teachers will be judged on far stricter scale than others. I am not sure I will receive this crown, but this is a crown that I very much desire to receive. I hope, that I have been a faithful pastor to God’s word, and to those whom I have been called to Shepherd. At His judgment seat, the Lord will judge my motives and my work in preaching and teaching to see if I qualify for this reward. Will He find me qualified; I don’t know, and I won’t know until that day.
Peter says that shepherds are to be humble and an example of faithfulness and godly living. Peter also says that one of the great qualities of a faithful shepherd is that they are always watching and are prepared to meet the Chief Shepherd which is Jesus Christ. For those pastors who are watching, and have prepared their flock for Christ’s return, Jesus promises that when He appears, He will reward these faithful shepherds with the crown of glory.
THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The 5th crown is the Crown of Righteousness, which I also call the Blessed Hope Crown.
2 Timothy 4:8 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. NKJV
This special crown is reserved only for those Christians who are looking for, and longing for the glorious coming of the Lord, and… they are ready when He does return. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are warned again and again to watch for the imminent return of Jesus. This is exactly WHY I preach Bible prophecy so that you are ready for that moment, and will hopefully receive the great Crown of Righteousness.
The key phrase for this crown is … to all who have loved His appearing.
Not everyone is interested in the return of Jesus. It is shocking and amazing the number of Christians,
including pastors. who mock the return of Jesus. They mock His return because they are not in love with Jesus, and as a result, they do not love His appearing. But for those who love His appearing; for those who are earnestly watching for His return, they will be blessed with the great crown of righteousness.
If you desire this great crown, and the great rewards that come with it, then you must grow in your love for Jesus that will cause you to look for, and long for His appearing.
Are you watching for Christ’s return? If you are not looking for the rapture of the Church; if you are not preparing for, and longing for the return of Jesus our King, then you will not receive this magnificent crown that will radiate with beauty and glory for all eternity.
For those casual and carnal Christians who are living an apathetic lifestyle to God’s will, and scoff at the idea of Christ’s return, they will suffer great and unimaginable shame at the Judgement Seat of Christ. But for those who love Jesus and are preparing for, and longing for the blessed hope of Jesus return, they will receive this glorious crown of righteousness.
This is a crown I hope to receive, because I am daily looking for the return of Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of my faith.
The New Testament believers eagerly looked for the blessed hope of His return. The Bible encourages all believers to look for, and be prepared for the rapture of the church.
But you might ask, I have been looking for Jesus’ return for 60 years, and He hasn’t returned yet. What if Jesus does not come in my lifetime?
This magnificent Crown of Righteousness will still yours, because you obeyed the Lord’s command to be watchful and ready. Paul said those who look for and long for the appearing of Jesus will receive this eternal Crown of Righteousness which all the host of heaven will know that you were one of those who looked for and prepared for the coming of the Lord.
IN CLOSING
In closing, it is my sincere hope to receive two or three of these crowns, but it is also very possible, I won’t receive any crowns, and that is a very scary thought.
All of us have the ability and the opportunity to receive one or more of these crowns. The key is your love for Jesus. Your love for Jesus, and how you faithfully live for Jesus will determine the rewards and crowns you will receive.
If you desire these crowns of great rewards, then I encourage you to ask Jesus to put a hunger in your soul to love Him and seek Him with all of your heart.
My hope is for all of you to hear Him say, “Well Done, good and faithful servant.”
Ask Him to put your life on the pathway that will draw you closer to Him and leads to great rewards. Ask Him to show you anything in your life that could disqualify you from receiving these rewards, and then ask Him to show you how to overcome those things.
When you stand before Jesus at His Judgment Seat, you will either say, I am so glad I listened to my preacher, or you will say, I so wish I had listened to my preacher.
Finally, if you desire eternal life in Jesus Christ, then must repent of your sins, and believe in your heart these words… You cannot receive the eternal crowns of heaven if you are not a believer in Jesus.
Romans 10:9 if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. NKJV
