FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

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. Crown of Glory— Here, Peter addresses elders in the church. “Shepherd the flock of God among you . . . not under com- pulsion, 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 NewTestament authors write about this reward. James said, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under tri- al, 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, and other ailments 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.

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