Eternal Rewards – How to receive yours – 5 crowns
Eternal Rewards
The works of every believer, the way we live our lives, will be judged by Jesus. It is called the Judgment seat of Christ and will take place after the rapture and will happen in heaven.It won’t be judgment for sin or for salvation in fact it’s not a judgment in the sense of being sentenced or punished. Instead it is the place where eternal rewards will be given or lost depending on how one has used his or her life for the Lord. Remember, God is a rewarder. The eternal rewards He gives will be what the Bible calls “crowns”. The Bible mentions 5 different crowns that a believer can possibly receive. In this lesson we are teaching on the Crown of Righteousness, Crown of Rejoicing and Crown of Glory.
Crown of Righteousness
The Apostle Paul writes about the Crown of Righteousness and his anticipation of personally receiving this crown in 2Timothy 4:4-6. He says, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”
Ever Believer is Righteous
Every believer has been made righteous through the work of Jesus on the cross (2Corinthians 5:21), however not every believer receives the Crown of Righteousness. If you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you have already been made the righteousness of God! Nothing you do can or will ever make you righteous, but now that you are righteous by the power and grace of God He expects you to begin living righteously.
Now that You’re Righteous – Live a Righteous Life
The Crown of Righteousness is about living out your life righteously. We all have our flaws, weaknesses, and certain temptations that we may struggle with. It is not perfection, but direction that God is looking for. God expects each one of us to choose to do the right thing when faced with certain temptations or choices to do something bad. In fact He gives us His grace, His ability, to help us live out the righteous life.
The Crown of Righteousness awaits or is laid up for those who live a righteous life with the anticipation of His appearing. (2Timothy 2:22). So, go ahead and pursue righteousness. For all those who do there is laid up a Crown of Righteousness for them.
Crown of Rejoicing
“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)
The Crown of Rejoicing is often referred to as the”Soul Winner’s Crown.” We can see why from the above verse. The apostle Paul shares how he believed that those he had led to Christ were his — “crown of rejoicing.”
The Wise Win Souls
Proverbs 11:30 tells us, “those who win souls is wise.” The people we influence for Christ are our crown, our joy, our glory. We may not always be the one who leads the person to Christ, but we can plant or water the seed of salvation. We can help send and support those who are on the mission fields. 1 Corinthians 3:8 tells each will be rewarded the same. “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”
Telling others about Jesus and the grace of God is the greatest thing that you can do for someone while here on this earth. Then when that glorious day comes you will receive the crown of rejoicing for being a faithful witnesses of the saving grace of God.
The Crown of Glory
“Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve. Don’t be rulers over the people entrusted to you, but be examples for the flock to follow. Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the CROWN OF GLORY that will never fade away. .” (1 Pet 5:2 – 4)
Available to Every Believer
At first it may appear this crown would be for only shepherds (Pastors), but this crown is for every person who faithfully cares for those entrusted to them. This is why the Crown of glory is also know as the Crown of Service.
We are Called to Serve and Care for Others
Every believer has a sacred duty to serve those God has called them to. For example parents and teachers are to care and watch out for those entrusted to them. We all should grown to the place where we are able to feed others (Heb. 5:12). Every Christian should be a good example to others Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16).
The Crown of Glory awaits every shepherd and every believer who is concerned for people’s souls and helps care for them through word and deed.
Conclusion
Some final thoughts about these eternal rewards – 5 CROWNS. When all is said and done we will be even more grateful for God’s mercy and grace in our lives, knowing every good thing we’ve done is all because of the presence of Jesus in our life.
Every believer will be so grateful for the reward of being sons and daughters of God and getting to live in the heavenlies with Christ. We will be clothed with are new glorious bodies and be for every worshipping the King of Kings and Lord of Lord. We will cast all our crowns at the feet of Jesus in love and worship to Him. (Rev. 4:10-11)
