“The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race.” Quote from spectator sign seen at a marathon event.
The Bible tells us that when we receive salvation from Jesus Christ that we are automatically thrust into a race of faith and life. Instead of a short sprint, we are encouraged to run a race much like a marathon. We learn at the end of this race we run, there is an opportunity to receive awards or crowns. Just what are these crowns, how do we earn them and why?
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Just who is this “cloud of witnesses?” The writer of Hebrews uses “therefore” in this verse which cast reflection upon the prior chapter 11 otherwise known as the “hall of faith” listing examples and commending men and women of the Old Testament who had great faith. Imagine that. You are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” that includes among others Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, Rahab, David and Samuel cheering us on! Not only is our race important to run, but so are the results.
Paul goes on to describe the race and its conclusion this way:
“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.” (1st Corinthians 9:25)
“Bema” is a Greek term meaning “judgment seat” and in the city of Corinth, a stone platform was constructed to support the Bema seat (judgment seat) of the local officials. The seat was used to give out awards to athletes based on their competitive performances. Likewise, as Christian believers we will all one day stand before the Lord and give an accounting of our lives.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2nd Corinthians 5:10)
It is important to remember that the Judgment Seat of Christ does not determine salvation or worthiness to enter heaven. That question was settled at the Cross. Instead, the purpose of the bema judgment by Jesus Christ is to reward believers based on how faithfully they served Him. Even so, the Bible tells us that this judgment will also deal with the loss of rewards. The Greek word “bad” quoted above in Corinthians is “phaulos” which means “easy, slight, ordinary, mean, worthless, of no account.”
Even the minor prophet Malachi reminds us that there is a Book of Remembrance in which God has written down all the things that you have done for Him. All those times you served Him, prayed for others, you may have forgotten about it. But God says, “I have not forgotten.” (Malachi 3:16)
It is here at the Judgment Seat of Christ that believers are awarded crowns that are imperishable for eternity. What are these crowns?
The Bible lists five crowns in the New Testament:
- Crown of Incorruptible or the Victor’s Crown–as Paul describes in 1st Corinthians 9:25-27 this crown is awarded to “every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.” This is the Christian who keeps under the body and brings it into subjection. It is the conquering of the old nature, awarded for self-control and having victory over the flesh. Those believers who do not yield to lusts of the flesh and separate themselves from the world can expect to be rewarded the Incorruptible Crown.
- Crown of Rejoicing-“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? For ye are our glory and joy.” (1st Thessalonians 2:19-20) This is the soul-winners crown, the winning of the saved to the kingdom. This crown is awarded to those who have been instrumental in leading others to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, to those who have personally led others to Christ, and those who have prayed for souls and have given financially to evangelistic ministries. One of the first things a Christian should pray for and seek to cultivate is the desire, ability, and wisdom to help win lost souls to Jesus Christ.
- Crown of Life—this crown is reserved for those who have persevered, endured trials, and even faced death, yet remain faithful. These are believers who have given all their lives for the sake of the Gospel, those who have been martyred for their witness to Christ. Though some of us may not receive the Crown of Life we will rejoice with those who refused to count the cost and died proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)
- Crown of Glory—“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1st Peter 5:2-4) There are many who have been called and ordained by God to preach, teach and minister in His Word. These are the under shepherds who care for the flock of God during the absence of the Chief Shepherd.
- Crown of Righteousness—near the end of his life the Apostle Paul wrote, “I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I’ve kept the faith, and now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will award to me on that day; but not to me only, but to all those who have longed for His appearing.” (2nd Timothy 4:8) There is a special crown given to those people who live with an eternal attitude, daily yearning for the return of Christ.
How do we aspire to being awarded crowns from our Lord? In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus is critical of those who practice righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Instead, He encouraged that we practice deeds of righteousness in secret, so “that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The point He was making is that our good works should not be done for the praise of men. Rather, we should do our good for the praise of Jesus.
Others might say, “I don’t really care about rewards and I’m not concerned about them. I just want to make it to Heaven.” Can you imagine this person standing face to face before the Lord? He would be saying that he just wanted “Your salvation” but “I didn’t think You were worth living for.”
It is the motive of the heart that only matters. These crowns are determined only by how we live and serve Him in this life. One day, Revelation 4:10 tells us that in heaven, all believers will “cast their crowns” before the throne of God out of gratitude and acknowledgment that He was the source and inspiration of our crowns. And is this a one- time event? Verse 9 suggests otherwise with “when” or “whenever” depending on the translation.
How are you running your race?