What Rewards Will We Receive?
The Bible describes many crowns we will receive at the judgment seat of Christ.
The crown of rejoicing (or a soul-winner’s crown)
“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 Thessalonians 2:19). To obtain this reward, you must seek to win others to Christ.
The “crown of rejoicing” appears to be the ability to see all the people that you helped bring to the Lord. These people may actually be gathered around us. That thought could be very exciting or quite depressing—depending upon how faithful you as an individual are to fulfilling the Great Commission.
We must remember that we ourselves have never converted anyone. That is what the Holy Spirit does (John 6:63). Yet, we can play a part in that process. In fact, we may not even be aware of all those we have influenced to come to Jesus.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6; see also Daniel 12:3).
The crown of life
To obtain this reward, you must love the Lord and persevere under trial.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12 NIV).
Perhaps you feel as though you have given up many things to follow Jesus Christ. You’ve resisted temptations and endured hardships because of your faith. God promises you this special reward in Heaven!
The crown of righteousness
To obtain this great reward, you must finish your course and love His appearing.
“The time of my departure is at hand. 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 4:6–8).
You were created to know God and to go to Heaven. You may have lost your way, but don’t lose your address. Don’t deny the spiritual hunger in your soul. As believers, we have hope beyond the grave.
Don’t become overly concerned with the things of this life. Otherwise, you will have a saved soul but a lost life. Instead, remember your eternal rewards. And keep your eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of [your] faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
