The Crowns of a Christian

The Crown of Life

Introduction: We have spent many Wednesday evenings studying the Rapture

and the events leading up to it. I must admit this has been a study that will strain
the senses; we have been bombarded with the cold hard facts of the day and
age we live in. At the Rapture we know the Christian will stand before the Bema
seat or judgment seat of Christ, it is here we will obtain the rewards of our earthly
service, the crowns of Christian service. We will look at each of these Crowns
over the next five weeks. Tonight we will begin with the crown of life. It must be
remembered that the crowns are earned rewards and do not pertain to Salvation
of a persons soul through faith in Jesus Christ which can never be lost. Crowns
can be lost and the Scriptures attest to this fact. Rev 3:11 (KJV) Behold, I come
quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. The crown of
life is referred in the following Scriptures:

THE CROWN OF LIFE (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10).

James 1:12 (KJV) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love him.

Rev 2:10 (KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the
devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life.

This crown is given to all who endure trials and temptations even unto death for
Jesus' sake. "They loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11).
Examples of those who receive this crown are Stephen, James, John, Peter,
Paul, Huss, Tyndale, Latimer, Cranmer, and many others, they are martyrs for
the sake of Christ. (Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs.)

Recently we have heard of many missionarys who have had their lives taken
because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Last summer in Afghanistan there were ten
killed because of their faith. Recently in Egypt there were many killed in a church
both of these by Muslim terrorists. These are two current examples of those who
will earn the crown of life.

What about those of us whose lives are never threatened because of our faith?
Our faith is challenged daily through temptation and trials (James 1:12). For the
Christian who endures these temptations they too shall receive the crown of
life. The next time you think about comprise think about the crown of life.

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The crown of life is to be kept separate from the gift of life, which is mentioned in
John 4:10, John 5:24, Romans 6:23, and Ephesians 2:8. Eternal life is a free gift
from God to all who believe on His Son. "He that hath the Son hath life" (I John
5:11, 12). But those who receive eternal life through faith in Christ may also
receive the crown of life in addition, if so be that they suffer for Him even unto
death.

Conclusion: The crown of life will be awarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ to
those Christians who are faithful, love him, and hold fast. These are
Christians who have so dedicated their life to Gods work that they have
overcome the temptation of Satan or even lose their lives. You and I are
challenged by the Lord to give up our life that we may gain eternal life. No where
does He tell us this will be easy, we will fall but we dont have to fail. Remember
Luke 9:23-24 (KJV) 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever
will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the
same shall save it. We are to take up his cross daily not if or when we feel like
or when it is convenient, but daily.