Crowns

Lesson Content

Kings wear crowns. This shows dominion and victory. In the spiritual realm also, it is the victorious who shall be crowned. Man had dominion before he fell into sin (Gen.1:26; Psa.8:5-8). The crown which was upon his head fell because of sin (Lam.5:16). The fallen man can become victorious through the Lord Jesus Christ and receive dominion again (Rom.5:17). Since Jesus is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, there are many crowns upon His head (Rev. 19:12,16). The Scriptures speak of three crowns kept for the saints who have overcome.

1. Crown of Life (Jam.1:12; Rev.2:10): For those who have surrendered themselves not counting their lives dear and have endured temptations, for the sake of the faith in the Lor d Jesus Christ and for His Word. They remain faithful unto death even when persecuted, without any decrease in their love for Jesus.

2. Crown of Righteousness (II Tim.4:7,8): This crown is kept for those who finish their race victoriously, having desired ardently for the appearing (secret coming) of Jesus. They are those whose spirit, soul and body are wholly sanctified and are caught up when Jesus comes (I Thess.5:23). It is for them that look ardently for Him without sin, that Jesus shall appear the se cond time unto salvation (Heb.9:28). St. Paul had this experience and hope and therefore says with confidence that he will receive the crown of righteousness (II Tim.4:7,8).

3. Crown of Glory (I Pet.5:1-4): This is the crown received by faithful shepherd s (servants of God). This reward is given when Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, appears the second time to gather together His Bride, the Church. They are those who take the oversight of the flock of God which is among them -

(a) not by constraint but willingly;

(b) not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind;

(c) not as being lords over God’s heritage but being ensamples to the flock.

Moral

We should run our race victoriously and receive our crowns, keeping before us the hope of the inheritance that is kept for us in heaven.