What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in heaven?
The Five Heavenly Crowns: Rewards for the Faithful
In the New Testament, believers are promised rewards for their faithfulness in the form of five heavenly crowns. These crowns represent honor, victory, and the eternal rewards granted by God to those who remain steadfast in their faith. The Greek word translated as "crown" is stephanos, meaning a "badge of royalty," a "prize in public games," or a "symbol of honor." In ancient Greek athletic competitions, a stephanos was a wreath of leaves awarded to the victor, symbolizing triumph. Likewise, in the Christian life, these crowns are figurative rewards that reflect God’s eternal promises to the faithful.
Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 9:24–25:
"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" (NKJV).
Let us explore the five heavenly crowns and their significance, considering their theological implications and practical application for believers today.
1. The Imperishable Crown
(1 Corinthians 9:24–25)
"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" (NKJV).
This crown is awarded to believers who practice self-discipline and live faithfully according to God’s will. While earthly rewards and treasures are subject to decay, the imperishable crown represents eternal rewards that never fade. Jesus warns against storing treasures on earth:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19, NKJV).
Instead, believers are called to focus on eternal treasures. Peter echoes this sentiment, describing the inheritance awaiting the faithful:
"To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4, NKJV).
This crown reminds us to run the Christian race with endurance, fixing our eyes on eternal goals rather than temporal pleasures.
2. The Crown of Rejoicing
(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?" (NKJV).
The crown of rejoicing is often called the "soul winner's crown" and is given to those who faithfully share the gospel and lead others to Christ. Paul speaks of the joy that comes from seeing others saved through his ministry, emphasizing the eternal significance of evangelism.
As Christians, we are called to rejoice always:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NKJV).
This crown reflects the joy of seeing lives transformed by the gospel and the celebration in heaven when a sinner repents:
"I say to you, likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7, NKJV).
Ultimately, the crown of rejoicing points to the time when God will wipe away every tear, and sorrow will be replaced by eternal joy:
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4, NKJV).
3. The Crown of Righteousness
(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 crown is reserved for those who long for and eagerly await the return of Christ. It is not earned by human righteousness but granted through the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers:
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV).
The crown of righteousness encourages believers to remain faithful through discouragements, sufferings, and even death, knowing that their reward is eternal life with Christ:
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20, NKJV).
This crown is a testament to God’s grace and His promise to reward those who persevere in their faith and maintain a fervent love for His appearing.
4. The Crown of Glory
(1 Peter 5:4)
"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away" (NKJV).
This crown is often associated with faithful shepherds and leaders who care for God’s flock, but it is also available to all believers who glorify God with their lives. The "glory" referred to here encompasses the very nature and brightness of God, reflecting His splendor and majesty.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, witnessed this glory as he gazed into heaven:
"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55, NKJV).
The crown of glory assures us that the sufferings of this present life are insignificant compared to the glory awaiting us:
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18, NKJV).
5. The Crown of Life
(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).
This crown is promised to those who endure persecution, suffering, and even death for the sake of Christ. It reflects the abundant and eternal life given to believers through Christ:
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, NKJV).
James further emphasizes this promise:
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12, NKJV).
The crown of life encourages believers to remain faithful in trials, demonstrating their love for God through obedience:
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3, NKJV).
Conclusion
The five heavenly crowns serve as eternal reminders of God’s faithfulness and His promise to reward those who serve Him with love and devotion. As Baptists, we affirm that these crowns are not earned through human effort but are a reflection of God’s grace and the transformative power of the gospel.
Let us run the race with endurance, fix our eyes on Jesus, and look forward to the day when we will stand before Him, crowned with His eternal blessings:
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).
