“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one
may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11
The last word in this verse tells us what rewards the Lord will give His bride at the Bema seat.
Crown Strong’s Concordance says this Greek word is “stephanos” which refers to a crown or wreath. The stephanos is not the crown of royalty or deity that the Lord wears but a crown given for achievement, honor, and reward to victors in athletic contests.
What are crowns based on? The Lord tells two parables that give us
insight into this answer. In the first parable in Matthew 25 the master gives his servants talents (the number of talents differ by servant) to use for him while he is away. The servants are rewarded based on the return on investment they get from those talents. In the second parable (Luke 19) as a master leaves he gives each of his servants the exact same thing – ten minas. In this case they are all rewarded on how they used the same gift given by the Lord. In this case it appears the minas represent time – we each are given 24 hours in every day to use for the Lord. Reward is based on faithfulness in using one’s time and talents for God’s glory.
What are the crowns? God has revealed to us in His word the crowns that are given. Whether this is an exhaustive list or not we do not know but these crowns will definitely be given.
Crown of Life – Revelation 2:10 says to “be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for believers, who endure sufferings, who confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. We also read in James 1:12 that the crown of life is for all those who love God. Scripture tells us our love is demonstrated through our endurance in obedience to the Lord’s word.
Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8 says “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”. Do we look forward to the return of the Lord or are is this life what we treasure?
Crown of Rejoicing – Thessalonians 2:19 says “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?” This crown is given to those who “rejoice always in the Lord” and are thankful for His blessings, bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. This is also known as the soul winners crown.
Incorruptible crown – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – “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 one.” This crown signifies eternal perfection and purity. It is given to those who triumph over their sinful flesh and worldly desires. They fight the enemy faithfully.
Crown of Glory – This is given to pastors and those who nurture and feed the flock of God.
One more insight The crowns are only mentioned in relation to the bride of Christ. At the wedding of the church to the Lord she is to be adorned with her crowns which she will then lay at her Savior’s feet in
praise and thanks and love and worship. What joy to give the Savior our gifts, what sorrow to have nothing to offer. Endure!