THE BELIEVERS’ CROWNS!
By: Dr. Mike Jones
The Bible says that there are rewards, or crowns, set aside for those that dedicate themselves to Christ.
The Judgement Seat of Christ is the place where all of the deeds that we have done, after we’ve become Christians are examined to determine whether they be good or bad works. [Use story of 2 Preachers counting who get the most people saved each month.]
The Word “BAD” refers to our deeds that we have done according to God’s purpose. It had nothing to do with our SINS, because they were paid for at the CROSS – but every deed has consequences.
The Bema Seat judgement is based upon whether the works that have been done are worthwhile or whether they are worthless.
The Greek words BEMA is translated the ‘judgment seat’ of Christ. Taken from the Greek Olympics of Paul’s day, the judge would sit on the ‘Bema Seat’ near the finish line, to determine who came in first, second, third: He judged ONLY those who ‘successfully’ cross the finish line. [Note: Bema Seat for Believeres – Great White Throne Judgment is for Unbelievers!]
(1st Corinthians 3:15) “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.”
Remember: Salvation is based on the fact that Jesus Christ made full payment for your sins. We will stand before the Judgment seat as ‘righteous’ – that righteousness [by faith] is Christ’s alone.
But it is freely offered to whosoever will accept it by faith.
But, when we stand before the Bema Seat, it’s a place of rewards, but we will be judged according to our works for the kingdom.
People are going to be pious, and say, “I don’t think we ought to talk about our rewards. We ought to serve the Lord just because we love Him.”
I would be the first to agree. But since Jesus took time out to talk about Christian rewards: We need to take time to casually mention them, as we journey through this Christian walk and through sacred scripture.
The Word of God declared in 2 Corinthians 3:14, “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
Let’s turn our attention to the FIVE CROWNS available to believers: The first ONE is called: The ‘incorruptible crown’ – some refer to it as a crown of self-denial. This crown is located in 1st Corinthians 9:24-27, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
I believe not every Christian will receive the crown of self-denial, because we are judged according to how hard we ‘try’ to accomplish what God has purposed for us: A Crown of Self-denial is bestowed upon every believer who is willing to keep the flesh under control; willing to deny yourself; willing to live by mortifying the deeds of the flesh.
The second ONE is called: The Crown of Rejoicing — the ‘Soul Winner’s Crown’. In Philippians 4:1, the Word of God states, “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord.” Note that Paul is addressing people as a ‘crown’. He is saying to those whom Paul has led to Christ, “You are my joy now and you will be my crown by and by.” “…For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
Translated, “Are not even you, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ when we stand before Him?” (Look around and you’re there too! Therefore, my teaching and preaching are not in vain!)
The third ONE is the ‘Crown of Life’: In the Book of James 1:12, the Word of God says, “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.” …(TO BE CONTINUED)
(Adapted from The Believers’ Crowns; all Scripture references are taken from the KJV unless otherwise noted.)