Question: "What are the heavenly crowns that
believers can receive in Heaven?"


Answer: There are five heavenly crowns mentioned
in the New Testament that will be awarded to
believers. They are the imperishable crown, the
crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the
crown of glory, and the crown of life. The Greek
word translated “crown” is stephanos (the source
for the name Stephen the martyr) and means “a
badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a
symbol of honor generally.” Used during the ancient
Greek games, it referred to a wreath or garland of
leaves placed on a victor’s head as a reward for
winning an athletic contest. As such, this word is
used figuratively in the New Testament of the
rewards of heaven God promises those who are
faithful. 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. Now they do it to obtain a perishable
crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV).
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 ).


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.
Through our enduring the discouragements,
persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know
assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity
(Philippians 3:20 ). 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, a fervent desire
to be with the Lord.


4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4 ) “And when
the Chief 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 likeness 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 NKJV ).


5) The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10 ) “Do not
fear any of those things which you are about to
suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of
you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will
have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and
I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for
all believers, but is especially dear to those who
endure 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 those
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. And
His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John
5:3 ). As His children we must keep His
commandments, obeying Him, always remaining
faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials,
pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we
live—may we ever move forward, always “looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith” (Hebrews 12:2 ) and receive the crown of life
that awaits us.

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