The Bible speaks of five heavenly crowns that believers can receive as rewards for faithful service and living a victorious Christian life. These crowns are mentioned in various passages throughout the New Testament and represent eternal blessings that we can lay at the feet of Jesus on that day when we finally see Him face to face. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about each of these five crowns.
The Imperishable Crown
The imperishable crown is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 which says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” This passage uses the analogy of an athletic competition like the ancient Greek games to describe the spiritual race of the Christian life. While athletes would compete for a perishable laurel wreath, believers run the race of faith to receive an imperishable heavenly crown.
This crown is given to believers who exercise discipline, self-control, and perseverance in the Christian life. Just as an athlete must train their body and compete according to the rules to win the prize, Christians must submit to God’s Word and spiritual discipline in order to receive the imperishable crown. This speaks of a lifestyle of surrendering our desires, fleeing from sin, mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and pursuing God’s righteousness by His enabling grace. The imperishable crown is a reward for Christians who live with an eternal perspective and deny themselves in the present because they desire the approval and commendation of Jesus above all.
The Crown of Rejoicing
The crown of rejoicing is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 which says, “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” The apostle Paul speaks of believers being his joy and crown when Jesus returns. He had diligently ministered to the Thessalonian church through preaching, teaching, exhortation, and discipleship. Now these believers were prepared to meet the Lord.
This crown is for those who invest in the spiritual maturity and development of others. Like Paul, they have shared the gospel, made disciples, taught sound doctrine, corrected sinful behavior, encouraged the disheartened, strengthened the weak, and generally labored to present people complete in Christ (Colossians 1:28). While not all believers are called to formal ministry roles, all Christians can strive for this crown by using their spiritual gifts to build up fellow believers.
The Crown of Righteousness
The crown of righteousness is found in 2 Timothy 4:8 which states, “Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.” This crown is for those who long for Christ’s return. Just as Paul eagerly anticipated seeing Jesus face to face, believers who cultivate a deep love for the second coming and the glories of eternity will receive the crown of righteousness.
While some professing Christians live only for the present world, those who attain the crown of righteousness look forward to the world to come. Their hope is firmly rooted in the future restoration of all things at Christ’s return. This steadfast expectation motivates them to persevere in faith through trials, reject ungodliness, remain unstained by the world, and generally live righteous lives in keeping with their heavenly calling.
The Crown of Life
The crown of life is described in James 1:12 which declares, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” This crown is for believers who successfully endure trials and sufferings. By God’s grace, they have stood firm in faith when tested and have overcome the destructive temptations and persecutions aimed at their soul.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, these faithful saints have held fast to their confession of Christ even at personal cost. Their perseverance under fire evidences their loyalty to the Savior. Though pressured and attacked on every side, they refused to bow to the idols of comfort, compromise, or sinful self-preservation. The crown of life awaits Christians who have sacrificed their own interests out of devotion to the One who sacrificed everything for them.
The Crown of Glory
The crown of glory is described in 1 Peter 5:2-4 which states, “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” This crown is reserved for faithful pastors and ministers of God’s Word. It will be awarded by Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, when He returns.
This crown is for those who have faithfully tended Christ’s sheep through preaching, teaching, and living out godly leadership. They have served willingly and eagerly, motivated by love rather than greed or the desire for personal glory. They have led by humble example rather than self-promotion. God’s under-shepherds who sacrifice and labor for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom and the spiritual good of His flock will share in the glory of the Chief Shepherd Himself for all eternity.
What a glorious day it will be when Christ adorns His faithful servants with imperishable crowns as King of kings and Lord of lords. The prospect of hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” and receiving these unfading crowns should motivate all believers to steadfastly run the race set before us. As we eagerly await that day, let us heed the Apostle Paul who said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
