Secrets from Beyond The Grave

The 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 This crown is often called the soulwinner's crown , as there will be a special reward for all soulwinners. Paul was addressing the church at Thessalonica, Greece, in what was the first of thirteen letters he penned in the New Testament. The letter is divided into five chapters, and in each chapter Paul alluded to the return of Christ. He told this church that at the coming of Christ, they would be given a "crown of rejoicing." We will be rewarded for the souls we have won to Christ, and a special soulwinner's crown will be given to each believer who was a soulwinner! The crown of life 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 Scholars identify this crown with the crown promised in Revelation 2:10, which is the reward of believers who endure and overcome temptation and testing. When Christ warned, "Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" (Rev. 3:11), He was warning the church of Philadelphia to be faithful and endure the attacks of the enemy. There is a special crown for those who have disciplined their bodies, minds, and spirits to follow the Lord until the end. It is a crown of life. The crown of glory And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. --1 Peter 5:4 In 1 Peter 5, the apostle Peter was addressing the elders and instructing them to remain faithful to feed the flock of believers, not to be greedy of money, and to be an example to other believers. If they are found faithful, then at the appearing of Christ they will receive a "crown of glory." This particular crown is for those who have served as elders, pastors, and spiritual bishops over the believers as a shepherd would care for his sheep. The crown of righteousness

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 4:8