Crowns

There are five different crowns mentioned in the New Testament. These crowns are awarded after the final judgement. I believe there is more than five, but the five that are known of, give us an impression of what our goals are.

1. CROWN OF LIFE
2. INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN
3. CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
4. CROWN OF GLORY
5. CROWN OF REJOICING

CROWN OF LIFE

Referred to in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10; it is bestowed upon "those who persevere under trials."

Jesus references this crown when he tells the Church in Smyrna to "not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."

INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

Also known as the Imperishable Crown, and is referenced in 1 Corinthians 9:25. This epistle, written by Paul of Tarsus, deems this crown "imperishable" in order "to contrast it with the worldly awards Paul's contemporaries pursued". It is therefore given to those individuals who demonstrate "self-denial and perseverance".

CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8, and is promised to "those who love and anticipate" the Second Coming of Christ.These Christians desire intimacy with God.

CROWN OF GLORY

Discussed in 1 Peter 5:4 and is granted to Christian clergy, who "shepherd the flock in unselfish love being a good example to others" 1 Peter 5:2-4.

CROWN OF REJOICING

Also known as the Crown of Exaltation, or Crown of Auxiliary.[2] Delineated in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1, it is given to people who engage in evangelism of those outside the Christian Church. In the New Testament, Paul earns this crown after winning the Thessalonians to faith in Jesus.

I took all that information from an outside source. I do not consider it Spirit filled. But what I am about to share, I have had placed upon me to give to you.

Crowns are not literal crowns. Crowns are recognitions of qualified authority. In the body of Christ, we all serve in ways that are unique to one another. But each of us describe a certain quality of the authority of Christ.

The Crown of Life is a showing of faithfulness. The Incorruptible Crown is a showing or reliance on Christ's strength. The Crown of Righteousness is a showing of hope and love. The Crown of Glory is a showing of selflessness and obedience. The Crown of Rejoicing is a showing of fearless intention.

A crown is a defining characteristic of the Holy One of God who became like man. These crowns are earned, and cannot be argued by anyone. Once we are raised as new creations, these crowns will define us, as characteristics that are pure, and full. Until that time, these characteristics are of the holiness that comes through us, despite our imperfect condition.

These crowns will define us with eternal traits that have been tested. We will have then, the ability to use these inherited traits of Christ, in whatever is set before us. These unseen qualities will come with authority that carries power that the Holy Spirit will recognize. As the Holy Spirit is with us forever.

Knowing these crowns are waiting, is encouraging. Something to focus on when we are down-hearted, or feel alone. We are able to honor God, we are able to bring glory to His House. We are deeply loved. Create in yourself room to remember what we are working towards. We are working towards going home, and to celebrate and be celebrated. Keep your eye on the finish line.