Originally posted 12/3/25
The ladies at my church are studying the book of Revelation. We read in Revelation 4:4, “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.”
Have you ever wondered what those crowns were for? In Rev 4:10-11 we read, “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”” The crowns will be laid at the feet of Christ in worship. We usually think of crowns as they pertain to royalty. In the Greek games, a wreath was given to the victor of a race. The crown mentioned in this passage means “stephanos”. It referred to Stephen who was the first Christian to be martyred. The crowns awarded to the athlete was a temporary crown; these crowns will be lasting. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
There are five crowns mentioned in Scripture. We think of crowns as The crowns are our eternal rewards for various areas of obedience to Christ while on earth. Not all believers will receive all the crowns. Let’s look at what those crowns represent.
The crown of life
All believers will receive the Crown of Life. Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is earned for persevering the trials that all believers experience. This crown also is “stephanos” in Greek.
James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Matthew 6:19 says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
1 Peter 1:3-4 reads, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
According to www.gotquestions.org, “This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death. In Scripture the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God.”
Imperishable crown,
The imperisable crown will be a crown that is everlasting. It will be rewarded to those who anxiously wait for Christ’s return. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
We read in Matthew 6:19, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
1 Peter 1:3-4 tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”
The crown of rejoicing
The crown of rejoicing will be awarded to those who lead others to Christ. It will also be for those who have taught and served and built up the church. There is already rejoicing in heaven when the lost are found. We read in Luke 15:7, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 tells us “ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” According to John Macarthur, “This celebrates salvation’s victory over satan and mankinds persecution fo believers.”
[Philippians 4:4 ESV] 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
2) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
The crown of righteousness
[2 Timothy 4:8 ESV] 8 Henceforth 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.
[Philippians 3:20 ESV] 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
According to www.gotquestions.org, “We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity. This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord.”
The crown of glory
Peter mentions The Crown of Glory in 1 Peter 5:4, [1 Peter 5:4 ESV] 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. According to www.gotquestions.org, “Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness.” The ministries of pastors will be evaluated in order to receive this crown.
All of the crowns will be imperishable meaning they will last for eternity. They are based on our faithful service. Standing in the presence of Christ seems overwhelming. If the twenty-four elders cast their crowns at the feet of Christ, so will we. Revelation 4:10-11, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
May we all hear the words from Matthew 25:21, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”
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