In the previous devotional, we reflected on the eternal rewards Christ has prepared for born again believers who live with Him as the center of their life. These rewards of joy, inheritance, radiance, partnership, and honor remind us that nothing done for Jesus is wasted. But God goes even further. In addition to these eternal rewards, He has also promised five distinct crowns—eternal treasures that reflect a life devoted to the King of Kings.
- A Crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, 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.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The Crown of Righteousness is not salvation—but the reward of righteousness bestowed upon those who have lived in steadfast devotion to Christ until the end. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone; but this crown is a prize, given by the righteous Judge to those who have run their race faithfully, keeping the faith unblemished by compromise and finishing their course with endurance. It is a reward given to those whose lives bore out their profession as a follower of Christ. It belongs to those who “love His appearing,” meaning believers whose hearts are tuned toward Christ’s return and whose daily conduct reflects that hope.
It’s important to distinguish between being in Christ and being approved by Christ. All who are born again have been redeemed by Christ’s righteousness, but not all will receive this particular crown. The Bible says some will be saved “yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15) meaning their works were consumed because they lived in the flesh rather than faithfully in the Spirit. The crown of righteousness, then, is God’s visible commendation—His public acknowledgment of a life that finished well. It is the eternal emblem of divine approval, placed upon those who did not merely believe in Christ but longed for His coming and lived as if it were imminent. What a day that will be when the Lord Himself bestows this crown upon the faithful!
- The Crown of LIFE.
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
The Crown of Life, mentioned in Revelation 2:10 and James 1:12, is not the possession of eternal life itself—for that is the free gift—but rather the reward of faithfulness under trial. It is the victor’s crown for those who have faced affliction, temptation, or persecution and yet have refused to renounce their loyalty to the Savior. “Be thou faithful unto death,” Christ said to the church at Smyrna, “and I will give thee a crown of life.” The gift of salvation costs us nothing; the Crown of Life may cost us everything. Oliver B. Greene called it “the martyr’s crown,” yet it belongs not only to those who die for Christ, but also to those who live for Him under pressure, refusing to compromise even when obedience brings economic, physical, social, or familial loss.
The Crown of Life, then, is God’s special reward for unwavering devotion amid adversity. It is the Savior’s personal acknowledgment that the believer’s love was genuine, tested, and proven true. While all the redeemed will enter heaven, this crown will rest upon those who bore the cross without turning back—men and women who endured temptation, persevered through sorrow, and loved Christ more than comfort. As Spurgeon once preached, “The cross comes before the crown, and in that order it must ever be.”
- The Crown of GLORY.
“The elders who are among you I exhort… shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly… and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:1-4
The Crown of Glory, is a reward promised by Christ, the Chief Shepherd, to those who have faithfully tended the flock of God. The apostle Peter, himself a seasoned under-shepherd, writes, “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” This is not a general reward for all believers, but a specific recognition for those who have carried the weight of spiritual care—pastors, teachers, mentors, and faithful servants who fed the flock, guarded it from error, and modeled humility in leadership.
This crown is not about prominence, but about faithful stewardship of time and resources. Many seek prestigious positions but few are willing to endure the hidden burdens of shepherding souls with patience, truth, and compassion. This crown of glory is for those who lovingly disciple—whether they be ministers, parents, friends, or any spiritual mentor—and who reflect the heart of the Chief Shepherd. Peter’s exhortation to “feed the flock of God” carries both tenderness and accountability. When the Chief Shepherd appears, all earthly titles will be forgotten, but those who faithfully fed the flock will shine with the unfading glory of Christ.
- The INCORRUPTIBLE Crown.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The Incorruptible Crown is the reward promised to those who live the Christian life with spiritual discipline and steadfast purpose. The Apostle Paul, using the imagery of the ancient Greek games, declares: “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Under inspiration of the Spirit, Paul likens the believer to a runner who denies himself comforts in order to win the prize. It is the reward of those who bring their body and desires under submission to the Spirit of God, refusing to be enslaved by indulgence or distracted by worldly allurements. The victory over our own flesh is likely one of the most difficult daily battles we fight!
Paul’s warning, “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified,” (v. 27) was obviously not fear of losing his eternal salvation—but of losing reward. This is a sober reminder that unrestrained living can rob a believer of eternal honor. The Incorruptible Crown, then, is the eternal recognition of those who lived not for comfort, applause, or ease, but for Christ’s approval alone. Spurgeon once said, “The Christian who conquers himself has conquered his greatest enemy, and his crown shall outlast the stars.”
- A 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
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown…” Philippians 4:1
The Crown of Rejoicing, could be called the “Soul Winner’s Crown” because it is the reward God grants to believers whose lives and labors have brought others into His eternal kingdom. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonian church, asked, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19–20) Paul’s joy was not in earthly recognition but in those who were redeemed because of his ministry.
This crown does not belong merely to evangelists or pastors but to every believer who faithfully bears witness of Christ—those who sow seeds, pray earnestly, support missions, and live lives that draw others toward the Savior. Whether we’re a parent, teacher, janitor, or multi-millionaire—we can all be part of the spiritual harvest. Indeed, we are commanded by Christ to do so in His Great Commission!
My friend, these crowns are exciting gifts to celebrate at Christmas!!!
At Christmas, we celebrate the greatest gift—salvation through Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory who came in humility to make us His heirs. Yet Scripture reveals that beyond salvation, God delights to reward His faithful servants with eternal crowns, each reflecting a different aspect of Christ’s work in us:
The Crown of Righteousness, for believers who live in eager expectation of His return and finish their course with steadfast devotion.
The Crown of Life, for believers who endure trial and persecution out of love for their Redeemer.
The Crown of Glory, for believers who shepherd others faithfully, guiding souls with humility and care.
The Incorruptible Crown, for believers who master their flesh and run the race with spiritual discipline.
And the Crown of Rejoicing, for those who win souls and rejoice in their eternal life.
One day we will stand before our King of Kings and be rewarded with crowns that we will ultimately give back to Him. I want to be able to give Him so much—don’t you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son—the greatest treasure of all—and for the eternal rewards You promise to those who love and serve You faithfully. Teach us to live each day with eternity in view. To be disciplined in body, steadfast in faith, humble in service, and passionate for souls. Keep our hearts fixed upon You always, until that day when faith becomes sight and we see our Savior face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
