Article — Heaven and Hell — Q & A

 1. The Imperishable Crown  – This everlasting crown is for those who exercise self-control and faithfully run the spiritual race.

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Like an athlete, we exercise self-discipline.

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath [crown], but we an imperishable [crown]” (1 Cor. 9:25 ESV [NKJV]).

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It also conveys the idea that we don’t store up treasures on earth that decay and perish like an athlete’s wreath of leaves that fades away. Instead, we store up our treasure in heaven like a king’s golden crown that lasts forever (Matt. 6:19-20).

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 2. The Crown of Rejoicing  – This crown is for those who evangelize, share the gospel, and disciple others. It’s sometimes called the “soul-winners” crown.

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Paul was rejoicing that people he led to Christ would stand with him in heaven when he said,

“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?” (1 Thess. 2:19-20 NKJV).

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 3. The Crown of Righteousness  – This crown is for those who live a faithful, holy life and who eagerly look forward to Christ’s second coming.

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As Paul reflects on the end of his life as he faces execution in Rome, he writes,

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future 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” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

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Paul says this crown is not just for him, but it’s also for those who eagerly look forward to Christ’s return. It reflects a mindset focused on eternity, not the trials of this present life.

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 4. The Crown of Glory  – This crown is for elders, pastors, and church leaders who shepherd the flock of God.

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Peter exhorted church elders to exercise oversight willingly, not under compulsion, and not in a domineering way, but with eagerness. They should act as examples, not do it for financial gain.

 

Peter said,

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2-4).

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 5. The Crown of Life  – This crown is promised to those who endure trials, suffering, and persecution out of a love for God.

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James writes about the testing of our faith:

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

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Those who are martyred will also receive this crown:

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer . . . Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

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Purpose of the Crowns

The pursuit of these crowns is meant to encourage faithful living on earth and not for future boasting in heaven about how great we were on earth.

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Since only Jesus is worthy of glory and honor, it may be that believers will cast these crowns at the feet of Jesus when they enter heaven.

 

In John’s vision of heaven,

“…the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne” (Rev. 4:10).

 

By storing up treasure in heaven, it appears believers in heaven will have something meaningful to give back to God in worship.