The 5 Crowns in Heaven: What Every Christian Should Know

This expert summary synthesizes key biblical teachings on heavenly rewards, Christian discipline, and ultimate accountability, focusing on the five specific crowns promised to believers. This framework is crucial for understanding the eternal incentives God provides for a faithful life.

I. Rewards are Central to Biblical Truth, Not Carnal Incentives

The idea of receiving trophies or rewards in the afterlife is often misunderstood or deplored by some who view it as a “low and carnal incentive to righteousness,” likening it to “offering candy to a child”. Some believe goodness should be its own reward.

However, this viewpoint is out of tune with the Bible. The sources assert that the promise of rewards is accepted and defended throughout scripture:

• Reward for Righteousness: “Surely there is a reward for the righteous” (Psalm 58:11).
• According to Work: The Lord “render[s] to each one according to his work” (Psalm 62:12).
• New Testament Promise: Jesus instructed believers to “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” when persecuted.
• Final Assurance: In one of the last verses of the Bible, Jesus declares, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me to give everyone according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Rewards are assumed to be a part of the Christian’s future experience.

II. The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat)

The “most important trophy ceremony” a believer will ever be part of is the judgment seat of Christ.

Timing and Purpose

The Bible teaches that after the Church is taken to heaven by the Rapture and the resurrection, individual believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

• Evaluation, Not Condemnation: This event is a time for the Lord to evaluate the lives of His people and reward them for their faithfulness, service, and obedience.
• Not the Final Exam for Heaven: Crucially, the judgment seat of Christ is not about whether or not one goes to heaven. Believers, having placed faith in Christ, are already forgiven and secure forever, having received the gift of eternal life that cannot be rescinded or taken away.
• Focus on Works: While forgiveness is about justification (being made right with God), rewards are based on the works a believer does after he has been saved. These are works that flow from a saved life, not works done to gain salvation.

Accountability and Integrity

At the judgment seat, Jesus Christ will see through all posturing and spinning to examine the heart’s motives for all that has been done.

• Individual Account: “Each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
• No Inter-Believer Judgment: Believers have no right to judge the work of another believer. Since they do not even know the rewards they will receive, they cannot possibly judge how another person will be rewarded. Paul warned, “Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord comes”.

III. The Five Crowns of Heaven’s Rewards

The Bible specifically mentions five crowns that will be awarded at the judgment seat of Christ.

1. The Victor’s Crown (The Imperishable Crown)

This crown is awarded for living a disciplined Christian life.

• Inspired by Athletics: This concept is drawn from the culture of Paul’s day, referencing the rigorous training required for games like the Olympics and the Isthmian games held at Corinth. Contestants proved their discipline over ten months, focusing entirely on their goal.
• Discipline Over Desire: An athlete must lead their body, making it a “slave,” not the other way around. Most people, including many Christians, are slaves to their bodies, letting their desires dictate their schedule, food, and rest.
• The Goal: The victor’s crown is for those who live the Christian life with such great discipline that they set their eyes on the goal of pleasing Christ, letting nothing else get in their way. Unlike earthly races where only one person wins, every Christian who pays the price of careful training can be a winner of this crown.

2. The Crown of Rejoicing (The Soul Winner’s Crown)

This crown is reserved for those dedicated to winning souls to Christ.

• Paul’s Example: Paul’s hope, joy, and grounds for boasting were the souls he would present to Christ—specifically the Thessalonians.
• Motivation: This is a special crown for those who are highly focused and motivated by sharing their faith and winning people to Jesus.

3. The Crown of Righteousness

This award is given to all who have loved the appearing of Jesus Christ.

• Focus on Heaven: It is for people whose hearts are set on heaven and who look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. Paul affirmed that this crown was laid up for him, and also “to all who have loved his appearing”.

4. The Crown of Life

This crown is promised to those who endure temptation and suffering for their faith.

• Paying a Price: This reward is for people who suffer in behalf of Christ, enduring persecution, testing, and temptation.
• Persecution: The Bible states that all who “desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution,” and enduring this makes a person a candidate for the Crown of Life. This suffering can range from being shunned or losing a job/promotion to severe tribulation.

5. The Crown of Glory (The Pastor’s Crown)

This reward is for faithful shepherds of God’s people.

• Shepherding Ministry: While often called the pastor’s crown, it is also for anyone who faithfully shepherds a group of believers, such as those who lead small groups or teach classes, praying for and helping the people entrusted to their care.