All God's Children Got Crowns

In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.    —2 Timothy 4:8

There is an old southern spiritual song entitled, I'm Gonna Walk All Over Heaven, that many might remember by its lyrics, “All God’s children got shoes.” The lyrics and even the title varies greatly from year to year and artist to artist. Some sing, all God’s children have a robe, shoes, a crown, a cross, a song, and even wings.

 

Honestly, I am quite sure we will not receive wings; we do not become angels in heaven. I seldom thought about getting a crown until I reflected on the connection between worship and thanksgiving. The twenty-four elders before the throne of God in heaven, “Cast their crowns before the throne, saying, You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:10-11).

A quick study of the word “crown” in the New Testament reveals that every Christian believer will receive a crown in heaven, and there are several types of crowns. Paul speaks of receiving a crown of righteousness. After warning Timothy of the terrible apostate times to come, Paul concludes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (vs. 7). He concludes the thought by telling us the crown of righteousness is not only for Paul but for everyone who loves Jesus’ appearing. A crown of righteousness is promised for all those who stay true to Jesus until the end.

A second crown, the crown of life, is described in James 1:12 and by Jesus in Revelation 2:10. This crown is promised to those who persevere under trial and suffer persecution. Jesus says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Hopefully, you and I will not have to face death for our faith, but many have died confessing Christ in our day, even in America.  Jesus did say, “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

Peter mentions a crown of glory which might be reserved for those who lead the flock of God. 1 Peter 5 describes how to be a good shepherd to those under one’s care. “And, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (5:4).

A fourth crown, the crown of joy, is the soul winner’s crown. Paul refers to believers that he led to the Lord as his joy and crown (Philippians 4:1) and his hope, joy, and crown of exultation (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Paul is not boasting a gold medal for his accomplishments for he had a Kingdom view of his ministry. “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:7-8).  

There are rewards in heaven, and, yes, there are crowns for every believer. Do not be confused thinking that we can earn our way into heaven. Heaven is the gift of God, purchased for each of us with the precious blood of Christ. All our righteous acts and human efforts to please God are like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6). One might ask, “Then why are we given crowns?” We are given crowns so we can cast them at the feet of Jesus in heaven to give Him thanks, honor, and praise for His love and power at work in and through our lives.