FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

Crown of Glory— Here, Peter addresses elders in the church. “Shepherd the flock of God among you . . . not under compulsion, but voluntarily . . . not for sordid gain, but with eagerness . . . And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2-4). Although church leaders should never consider themselves above those whom they serve, here they are promised a special privilege related to Jesus’ return and God’s glory. And like the Incorruptible Crown described above, this prize will maintain its spiritual luster throughout eternity. Crown of Life— Two New Testament authors write about this reward. James said, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Jesus told those intensely persecuted at Smyrna, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). This crown is synonymous with eternal life. Sin, sickness, suffering, etc. take away our temporal, earthly existence; but nothing can jeopardize the forever, fulfilling life that awaits those belonging to Christ. And though specific reference is made to sufferers, this crown awaits all believers. Some people get a little uncomfortable with a discussion about the rewards of heaven because the focus is on man rather than Christ. But understand, the purpose of these rewards is not for us to parade up and down the golden streets, drawing attention to our accomplishments. Also, I can’t see us displaying crowns on the mantle like trophies. More than likely, we’ll imitate the twenty-four elders mentioned in John’s vision and place any crowns we have received before the throne of God (Revelation 4:10). Finally, rewards for the believer come in the form of special privileges. The Bible says that if we enhance our faith with increasing “ Moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly

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