The Five Crowns Available To Believers God knows that rewards motivate us. Therefore, God has established clearly defined rewards, crowns, for believers. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum identifies 5 different crowns available to the believer, gifted to them after they have finished their race. Good works, proper doctrine and/or an expectation of His return do not save us. But they do matter:
Incorruptible Crown
For: Those who live a life controlled by the Spirit
Reference: 1 Cor. 9:24-25
“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away.”
Crown of Rejoicing
For: Those who do the work of evangelism.
Reference: 1 Thess. 2:19
“For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you?”
Crown of Righteousness
For: Those who keep the faith both doctrinally and morally. Those who look longingly for the return of Messiah.
Reference: 2 Tim. 4:7-8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.”
Crown of Life
For: Those who endure trials. In Rev. 2:10, it is given to those who suffer martyrdom.
Reference: James 1:12 & Rev. 2:10
“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have affliction for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Crown of Glory
For: For those who faithfully feed the flock of God.
Reference: 1 Peter 5:2-4
“Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”