FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

I’m expecting some surprises. Even if they escape the second death, many wielding great power and authority in this world won’t do so in the world to come. Yet, those who transform an insignificant social standing, limited education, meager resources and minimal opportunity into prosperous kingdom living on this earth can expect a significant promotion on the earth to come. Afterlife rewards in the Bible also includes crowns. The five mentioned specifically in the New Testament are: The Incorruptible Crown— Paul said that athletes go into strict training to get “a crown that will not last; but we do it for a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV). Paul was referring to the celery and laurel crowns given to athletic winners in the first century, which would wilt within days of being received. However, believers who qualify for the victor’s crown on judgment day will receive crowns that last forever. Crown of Rejoicing— Also called the soul winner’s crown, Paul describes this prize as well. “ For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). The Apostle refers here to members of the church at Thessalonica that became believers because of his missionary work. What could be more invigorating than seeing someone in heaven that you’ve led to the Lord? Crown of Righteousness— Again, Paul details the reward, this time to Timothy. “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). The Apostle wasn’t afraid to express his confident expectation of receiving this award. There’s no reason that Christians who diligently serve the Lord and desire His spiritual and physical presence can’t exude that same bold expectation.

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