Would you like to have an imperishable crown? A crown is an accessory worn by certain people. Many coveted it because it represented a prestigious position, glory, power, and authority. For centuries, the headpiece exhibited the superior social status of the individual wearing it. Most of them were of precious metals and stones, and most of the people who wore them were selected to have that distinction. Nowadays, the only monarchies that continue coronation tradition are just the British Monarchy and Tongan Monarchy. However, like India, other countries celebrate coronations but do not use metal crowns to adorn their heads.
In the Bible, we are enlightened to the truth of God's kingdom, and there we are offered the privilege of wearing crowns as part of what we do here on earth. According to the Bible, there are five crowns. The crowns will be available for those who will do the work of God and are recorded in the book of remembrance. In the book of Malachi, 3:16 WEB- " Then those who feared Yahweh spoke one with another, and Yahweh listened, and heard, and a book of memory was written before him, for those who feared Yahweh, and who honored his name." Jesus will be sitting on the seat of Judgment, and he will honor the people with crowns. According to the book of remembrance, Jesus Christ will judge, and we all will stand in front of God. Jesus will bestow crowns upon those who accomplished works according to the standards of the Kingdom of God.
2 Corinthians 5:10 explains- "For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
It is a reminder of many of the reasons we are experiencing challenges. Not all of us live entirely parallel lives. We are unique and for different purposes. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, we are encouraged and explained our responsibility to earn such a prize. "Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible." Therefore, we will receive as His children after we finish this race, here in this world, the Imperishable or Incorruptible crown. It contrasts with the rest of the things in this world, perishable according to Matthew's 6:19. And in 1 Peter 1:4 is "to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you."
The second crown is known as the Crown of Rejoicing, and Jesus will place it on those who win souls for the Kingdom of God. "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesusat his coming? " This account you can find in 1Thessalonians 2:19. This crown will reward those who suffered all kinds of injustice. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away." Revelation 21:4.
The third crown exposed in the Bible is the one of Righteousness. It is a crown that followers of Jesus can obtain and experience as we accept him as Lord of our lives and wait for His second coming. As part of the race, we will need to endure disappointments, discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, confident that our reward is eternity and with Jesus Christ. Paul wrote about it in 2 Timothy 4:8, "From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing."
Known as the Crown of Glory, it is the one that Peter described as one to those who yearn and love for the appearance of Jesus and the honor and privilege we have to enter into His kingdom and presence and to become like Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 5:4, "When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away." And the Apostol Paul, in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us."
In addition, the Crown of Life is for those faithful who endure pain and, in some cases, death as martyrs. Revelation 2:10, "Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life." James 1:12 explains - "Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him." We demonstrate our love toward him by obeying His commandments, enduring all trials, and remaining faithful to Him. As 1 John 5:2-3, "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is loving God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous."
What are your thoughts regarding such an assignment? How do the different crowns encourage you in this race? Which one would you like to carry? Remember, they are not perishable and last for eternity.
Respectfully, MarÃa DÃaz.
All scriptures are from World English Bible,. 2020, Public Domain
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