The 5 Crown Reward System in Heaven For Believers

The Bible teaches that there's a “reward system” in Heaven. Do not confuse these 5 crowns to be a reward for good works before one has accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. These five heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament, shall be awarded only to born-again believers. Further, scripture is crystal clear, these rewards have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. We cannot earn our way to heaven by good works, Ephesians 2:8-9.

Colossians 3:2 says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This means stop worrying so much about temporary things, and plan where you’re going to spend eternity!

Here are the Five Crowns mentioned in Scripture

CAREFUL!! The idea that you can lose your salvation if you lose a crown, is not supported by the Bible, and contradicts the doctrine of eternal security. The Bible teaches that salvation is everlasting, and that those who are saved, will persevere until the end. It also teaches that salvation is accomplished by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, not by human works.

The idea that salvation can be lost, can lead to the belief that salvation depends on us, which is contrary to the Bible's teaching. Many passages in the Bible make it clear that salvation is everlasting, including John 10:27–29, Romans 8:35, 38–39, Philippians 1:6, and 1 Peter 1:4–5. The doctrine of eternal security means that those who are truly saved, will persevere until the end. We can lose rewards/crowns, but not the gift of salvation! Don't get the two confused. The Bible says that God's gifts are irrevocable:

Romans 11:29 - "For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them, when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]

Be careful with this: Believers can fall into sin, which can grieve God and cause them to lose some of their "grace[b]s"[/b]...but NOT their salvation. They can also be tempted by Satan and the world. Grace is the gift of God that enables salvation, while salvation is the act of being saved from sin. Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace, is God's undeserved favor, freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Grace is a gift that cannot be earned.

"Falling from grace" (favor from God), does not automatically mean losing salvation; it signifies that a person has strayed from a life of faith and actively following Christ. Salvation is a gift from God that cannot be revoked by human actions alone. Not a complete loss of one's saved status, as salvation is considered a gift from God that cannot be taken away by human actions.

If someone "falls from grace" and remains in that state, it does not mean they have lost their salvation. The concept of "once saved, always saved" is held, meaning that true faith in Christ cannot be revoked by subsequent actions, even if they are sinful; however, it is important to seek repentance and enjoy fellowship with Christ once again.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God if someone has strayed from their faith. Such as the case of the "prodigal son". Though he had sinned, he still remained a member of the family of God. He might lose some rewards/crowns, but not his salvation. God understands our imperfections. He doesn't expect us to be perfect. No one is perfect enough to earn Heaven through their own actions, as everyone sins. Remember, salvation has nothing to do with our performance, but the promises of God to believers. 1 Corinthians 3:15 says, "If any man's WORKS shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; *but he himself shall be saved*, yet so as through fire". They are referring here to the Holy Spirit fire, who tests our works, according to Revelation. In this passage, "fire" is a metaphor for a divine test, that reveals the quality of a person's work.The test will consume those whose work is not built on Jesus Christ, the foundation. Those who pass the test will receive a reward, while those who fail, will lose their reward, a crown. However, even those who fail will be saved, as if they had escaped through fire.

“Sealed to the day of redemption” is a phrase from the Bible that appears in Ephesians 4:30. It refers to the sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit, which is a promise of security and redemption.

Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption".

The phrase is a promise that believers are secure in God's love and power, even when other things in the world are uncertain.

The "day of redemption" is a future hope that should motivate believers to live faithfully and expectantly. The seal is a way of indicating that people find their identity in relationship to God and Christ.

The seal or relationship does not mean that people are exempt from all earthly suffering. The phrase is part of a passage that also encourages believers to put away bitterness, wrath, and anger, and to be kind and forgiving to one another.

The Promise of Crowns

God promises these crowns to those who are faithful in their walk with God. Paul’s passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, best defines for us how these crowns are awarded:

1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “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 [disciplined] in all things. They do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (KJV). All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

The concept of "only one" receiving the imperishable crown is not accurate; in the Bible, particularly in 1 Corinthians 9:25, the "imperishable crown" refers to a reward given to all Christians who faithfully persevere through trials and tribulations, essentially meaning everyone who actively strives to live a righteous life can receive this eternal reward, not just one person; the imagery of a crown is used to symbolize the ultimate victory and recognition in the eyes of God, not a competitive prize where only one can win.

2) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “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?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now, in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

3) The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “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.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ, which is what gives us a right to it, and without which, it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing fervent desire to be with the Lord.

4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Good Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word, referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone, is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very presence of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

5) The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) This crown is for all born-again believers, but is especially dear, to those who endure/endured sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).

James tells us that this Crown of Life is for all born-again believers, who love God (James 1:12). The question then, is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments (Again...after we are saved) and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children, we keep His Commandments, not out of force, but out of our great love for him, and want to remain faithful. May we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) until we enter His blessed presence and receive the crown of life that awaits us.