The Crown of Life is a promise to Christians at the end when they meet Jesus. In this post today I want to dive into the aspects of this gift and understand what is means in the life of a Christians. This crown is the result of the work of Jesus and it is a gift that God provides to his faithful.

¹² 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. James 1:12 ESV

Remain Steadfast

The crown of life is a gift that is promised by God to those who follow him. This gift James is discussing is taking on the hard things of life and remaining steadfast in love for God. Depending on your life circumstances remaining faithful or steadfast to God might cost you your life in this world.

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. Revelation 2:10 ESV

For others it could mean something as simple as raising your children in Church vs taking on that travel sports team for your kids that will have them away from Church on Sunday. The question is: “Will you remain steadfast?”

Aspects of the Crown

Incorruptible Crown

The Crown of Life is incorruptible. Take for example the trophies, awards, and prizes in this life. What happens to them? All that work for something that will fade, is spent, breaks, and will one day be thrown away. But the Crown of life is an eternal prize.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV

Crown of Glory

The Crown of Life is also a Crown of Glory. That glory comes from God. Glory is a magnificence or a dignity that is given to someone. The sun, moon, and stars reflect the Glory of God. We can see who He is based on what he has created. Christians who are steadfast and faithful even unto death will reflect the Glory of God when we receive that Crown of Life. That glow of glory will never fade.

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4 ESV

Crown of Righteousness

The Crown of Life represents an award for being judged righteous by God.

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. 2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

Paul also states in Romans that none are righteous yet here he tells Timothy that his crown will be awarded by a righteous judge. And this is because of what Jesus has done. While we who loved the appearing of Jesus receive a Crown of life that is incorruptible, makes us righteous in the Glory of God we need to understand that we can receive that crown because of the crown that Jesus wore on our behalf.

Crown of Thorns

Faithful brother and sister when you have finished the race and you stand before Jesus who hands you a Crown of Life do not forget that it was made possible by the crown of thorns He wore on your behalf. Jesus, God in the flesh, is born. He lives a perfect life. Jesus takes our punishment on the Cross. He dies and is buried for me. Then on the third day he is resurrected defeating death. Life comes from Jesus and for that he is worthy of our steadfastness.

and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29 ESV

Life

The Crown of Life is what you receive at the end of this life when you meet Jesus. James is telling us that when we are steadfast in this life we will have stood the test and receive an unfading gift.

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 ESV