In this essay, we will explore the crowns that believers may earn as rewards for their faithful service to Christ, as mentioned in the New Testament. These crowns, representing various aspects of Christian discipleship, are awarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ, where the works of believers are evaluated. We will examine the significance of each crown, the conditions under which they are received, and the biblical references that highlight their importance. Through this exploration, we aim to understand how these rewards reflect the believer’s commitment to Christ and their ultimate purpose in glorifying Him in eternity.
Word Count: 2731 / Time to read: 14 minutes
The foundation of the Christian faith is the understanding that salvation is a gift of God, granted by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This fundamental truth is underscored in several key passages in the New Testament.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This passage from Ephesians emphasizes that salvation is not something that can be earned by human effort or good deeds. Instead, it is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. The basis for this gift is the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, who paid the penalty for sin and made it possible for believers to be reconciled to God.
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5).
Here, Paul reiterates that it is not our works that save us, but God’s mercy. Salvation is a result of God’s action and initiative, not our own.
The Role of Good Works After Salvation
While it is clear that good works do not contribute to our salvation, the Bible also teaches that good works are a natural outgrowth of genuine faith. Once we are saved, our lives should reflect the transformation that has taken place within us. This is where the concept of rewards for believers comes into play.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Good works are the evidence of our faith and our new life in Christ. They are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us, producing fruit that is pleasing to God.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
The judgment seat of Christ, also known as the Bema Seat, is where believers will be rewarded for their works. This judgment is not to determine salvation, which is secured through faith in Christ, but to assess and reward the deeds done in the body.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Bema Seat judgment will take place after the rapture of the church, during the tribulation period on earth, and before the millennial reign of Christ. It is distinct from the Great White Throne judgment, which is for unbelievers and occurs after the millennium.
Participants and the Judge
The participants in the Bema Seat judgment are all believers, those who have trusted in Christ for salvation. The judge is Jesus Christ Himself.
“Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22).
Jesus, who lived a sinless life and gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, is uniquely qualified to judge the works of believers.
Crowns for Believers
The New Testament mentions several types of crowns that believers can earn as rewards for their faithful service to Christ. These crowns represent various aspects of Christian discipleship and are a testament to the believer’s perseverance, faithfulness, and love for Christ.
- The Imperishable Crown
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
The imperishable crown, also known as the incorruptible crown, is awarded to those who exercise self-discipline and perseverance in their Christian walk. It represents the eternal rewards that do not fade or perish, unlike earthly rewards.
- The Crown of Righteousness
“Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
The crown of righteousness is given to those who have a deep longing and love for the return of Christ. It signifies the believer’s commitment to living a righteous life in anticipation of Christ’s second coming.
- The Crown of Life
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).
The crown of life is awarded to those who endure trials and persecution, even to the point of death. It represents the fullness of life that Christ promises to those who remain faithful under difficult circumstances.
- The Crown of Glory
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
The crown of glory is given to faithful shepherds and leaders within the church. It acknowledges their service, care, and oversight of God’s flock.
- The Crown of Rejoicing
“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? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” (Philippians 4:1).
The crown of rejoicing, often referred to as the soul-winner’s crown, is awarded to those who faithfully share the gospel and lead others to Christ. It represents the joy and reward of seeing others come to faith.
| Crown Name | Significance | When Received | Biblical Reference | Additional Information |
| Imperishable Crown | Awarded for self-discipline and perseverance in Christian life | At the Bema Seat after the Rapture | 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 | Represents eternal rewards that do not fade or perish |
| Crown of Righteousness | Given to those who long for Christ’s return | At the Bema Seat after the Rapture | 2 Timothy 4:8 | Signifies a life lived in anticipation of Christ’s second coming |
| Crown of Life | Awarded to those who endure trials and persecution | At the Bema Seat after the Rapture | James 1:12, Revelation 2:10 | Represents the fullness of life promised to the faithful under trial |
| Crown of Glory | Given to faithful shepherds and leaders within the church | At the Bema Seat after the Rapture | 1 Peter 5:4 | Acknowledges service and oversight of God’s flock |
| Crown of Rejoicing | Awarded to those who faithfully share the gospel | At the Bema Seat after the Rapture | 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Philippians 4:1 | Also known as the soul-winner’s crown, symbolizes the joy of bringing others to Christ |
This chart organizes the key aspects of each crown, allowing for a clear comparison of their significance, the timing of their receipt, and where they are referenced in the Bible.
Laying Our Crowns at Jesus’ Feet
In the book of Revelation, the twenty-four elders set an example by laying their crowns before the throne of God:
“The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being'” (Revelation 4:10-11).
This act of laying crowns at Jesus’ feet signifies the recognition that all glory, honor, and reward ultimately belong to Him. It acknowledges that whatever we have accomplished in our Christian lives is due to His grace and power working within us. By laying our crowns before Him, we express our gratitude and worship, attributing all praise to Him alone.
The Judgment Seat of Christ in the Dispensational Premillennial View
From a dispensational premillennial perspective, the judgment seat of Christ occurs after the rapture of the church and before the millennial reign. This judgment is for believers only and is designed to evaluate their works and faithfulness.
1. Timing and Location
The judgment seat of Christ takes place in heaven, following the rapture. During this time, believers are evaluated and rewarded based on their works. The tribulation period unfolds on earth concurrently with this judgment.
2. Purpose
The purpose of the Bema Seat judgment is not to determine salvation but to assess the quality of each believer’s works. Paul provides insight into this process:
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
This passage explains that the works of believers will be tested by fire. Those works that are of lasting value, symbolized by gold, silver, and costly stones, will endure, resulting in rewards. Works represented by wood, hay, and straw will be consumed, leading to a loss of reward, but not salvation.
3. Participants
All believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. This includes all those who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation, regardless of when they lived.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
4. The Judge
Jesus Christ is the judge at the Bema Seat. His judgment is righteous and just, as He alone knows the true motives and intentions of our hearts.
“Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22).
In conclusion, while salvation is solely by grace through faith and not by works, the Bible teaches that our works as believers will be evaluated and rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ. The New Testament describes several crowns that believers can earn, each symbolizing different aspects of faithful Christian service. These crowns include the imperishable crown, the crown of righteousness, the crown of life, the crown of glory, and the crown of rejoicing. Ultimately, these crowns are laid at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging that all glory and honor belong to Him.
From a dispensational premillennial viewpoint, the judgment seat of Christ occurs after the rapture and before the millennial reign. This judgment is for believers only, assessing their works and determining their rewards. Jesus Christ Himself will be the judge, ensuring that each believer is rewarded justly.
The anticipation of receiving these rewards should motivate believers to live faithfully and diligently for Christ, knowing that their labor is not in vain and that they will have the privilege of honoring Jesus with their rewards in eternity.
Can a Believer Lose a Crown After Earning It?
The question of whether a believer can lose a crown after earning it is an important topic in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about rewards and the judgment seat of Christ. The Bible provides insights that suggest believers should be vigilant in maintaining their faith and good works to secure their rewards.
Biblical Warnings About Losing Rewards
Several passages in the New Testament caution believers to remain steadfast in their faith and service to avoid losing their rewards:
- Revelation 3:11
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
In this verse, Jesus exhorts the church in Philadelphia to hold fast to their faith and obedience to prevent anyone from taking their crown. This implies that it is possible to lose a reward if one does not remain faithful.
- 2 John 1:8
“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”
The apostle John warns believers to be careful not to lose what they have worked for, suggesting that it is possible to forfeit rewards if they do not continue in their faithful service.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race, emphasizing the need for discipline and self-control to win the prize. He expresses concern about the possibility of being disqualified, which can be interpreted as losing a reward.
Understanding the Context of Rewards and Crowns
The crowns mentioned in the New Testament represent rewards for faithful service and perseverance in the Christian life. They are not synonymous with salvation, which is secure through faith in Jesus Christ. The possibility of losing a crown or reward is linked to the quality of a believer’s works and their faithfulness to Christ.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
At the judgment seat of Christ, believers’ works will be evaluated to determine their rewards:
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
This passage highlights that the quality of a believer’s works will be tested by fire. If their works are found to be of lasting value, they will receive a reward. However, if their works are burned up, they will suffer loss, although they will still be saved. This indicates that while salvation is secure, the potential for loss of reward exists.
Practical Implications for Believers
Given the biblical warnings and the nature of rewards, believers are encouraged to:
- Remain Faithful Believers should strive to maintain their faith and obedience to Christ, ensuring that their lives reflect their commitment to Him.
- Pursue Good Works Engaging in good works and serving others is a tangible way to demonstrate faith and earn rewards.
- Persevere in Trials Perseverance through trials and challenges is often linked to receiving crowns, such as the crown of life.
- Guard Against Complacency Believers should guard against complacency and continue to grow in their faith and service.
Conclusion
While the New Testament teaches that believers can earn crowns and rewards for their faithful service, it also warns that these rewards can be lost if one does not remain steadfast. The judgment seat of Christ will evaluate the quality of each believer’s works, and those that are not of lasting value will be burned up, resulting in a loss of reward. Therefore, believers are encouraged to live faithfully, pursue good works, and persevere in their walk with Christ to secure their crowns and rewards.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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