They cast their crowns before the throne and say, “Our Lord and God, you are
worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all
things, and by your will they were they exist and were created.
Revelation 4:10b-11
Have you heard that believers get crowns in heaven?
It’s true, but what are they, and how do you get one? And what do you do with them?
Do you wonder if it’s okay to want them?
After all, isn’t getting heaven enough?
There are many misconceptions about eternal life, heaven, and crowns.
And the best way to know if you should want crowns or not is to find out what the Bible says.
So, let’s look there to find the answer.
Table of Contents
Should I Want Crowns in Heaven?
How can wanting crowns in heaven not be okay when we learn about them in the Bible and how to get them. For example, no believer would say it’s wrong to be faithful in trials or persecution. And yet Revelation 2:10 tells us they are the ones who get the crown of life. And which one of you would say we shouldn’t look forward to Christ’s return, and yet 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us they are the ones who will get the crown of righteousness. Wanting crowns is equivalent to living for eternity and placing a high value on the things dear to God.
What Are the Crowns We Can Receive?
The Bible talks about five crowns (or some say seven):
1. The Imperishable Crown
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Paul contrasts an earthly athletic competition (probably the Isthmian games held in Corinth every year) with the Christian life. The winner of a given competition would receive a wreath placed on his head.
We might compare it to an Olympic athlete who competes for the gold medal or the football player whose end goal is the SuperBowl ring.
Or even the high school track runner who disciplines his body in hopes of winning the state competition.
You get the idea.
The athlete goes into strict training and sacrifices a “normal” life to train. He wants to win the crown. However, this crown (or medal, ring, trophy) will not last.
Similarly, as a Christian, you can live so that you’re always in training to win a crown in heaven, which will last. You may sacrifice many things to live God’s way rather than what the world defines as “normal.”
But since you understand its eternal value, you know it is worth it.
It should be noted that all crowns received in heaven are imperishable. So, the imperishable crown may refer to all crowns we receive, not a specific one.
One such way is what we do with our treasure in this life. Do we keep it for ourselves or send it on to heaven?
RELATED > > > > > Is It Selfish to Store Treasures in Heaven?
2. The Crown of Righteousness
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me, but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.
Paul wrote these words toward the end of his life. Notice the three things that comprised his life:
- I fought the good fight – he had stayed true to the assignment God gave him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles
- I have finished the race – he was at the end of his life
- I have remained faithful – Paul never wavered in his faith or calling after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus
And now he looked forward to receiving the crown of righteousness. Paul tells us it’s a crown any Christian can receive for eagerly looking forward to His appearing, or as the NASB puts it, “for all those who have loved His appearing.”
The idea is only those who have strived to live righteously and be obedient to God’s word will look forward to Jesus’ return.
3. The Crown of Rejoicing
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when He returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.
Here Paul, along with Silas and Timothy (co-founders of the church of Thessalonica), address the Thessalonian believers. They tell them that they, the Thessalonian believers, are what will bring the three of them hope and joy when they stand before Jesus at the Bema seat.
It would appear that the crown of rejoicing has to do with believers we have brought to the Lord or at least witnessed to. Imagine the joy you will feel when you see people in heaven you prayed for, witnessed to, or personally led to Christ.
It’s a humbling thought.
4. The Crown of Glory
1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
In this context, Peter is writing to the elders and leaders of the church who willingly cared for the flock God entrusted to them. They didn’t do it for what they could get out of it, but because they were eager to serve God.
And maybe it is for anyone who has been a leader, caring for those God entrusted to them.
5. The Crown of Life
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Some call this the martyr’s crown. Many Christians have been martyred throughout the ages and are still being martyred today. And indeed, they will get this crown.
Additionally, this crown is likely for all believers who faithfully persevere through difficulties in this life.
When Do We Get the Crowns?
One day all believers will stand before Jesus at the Judgment seat of Christ. You can read about it in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.
Here all our works will be judged by fire (from the viewpoint of being a builder who builds on the foundation of Jesus Christ).
It has nothing to do with salvation, for only believers are present. It has everything to do with the quality of our work. Did we do it for the Lord or for selfish gain? Every motive will be revealed.
Whatever comes through the fire will receive a reward, and whatever is burned up will be a reward lost.
Revelation 19:12 talks about Christ’s return and may give us some insight into the fire and the crowns. “His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns.”
Jesus will judge our works and give out the crowns.
What Will We Do With Our Crowns?
In heaven, there is a scene where twenty-four elders fall down and worship the One sitting on the throne, and they lay their crowns before Him (Rev. 4:10).
I’ve heard we are likely to do the same as the elders, or the elders are representative of all believers. Either way, we will lay our crowns at Jesus’ feet.
It may seem small in comparison to all Jesus did for us, but it will be an honor nonetheless. We will be glad we have crowns to give Him.
The video below talks about believers falling down and laying their crowns at the feet of Jesus.
We Fall Down
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it is not wrong to want crowns in heaven, especially if we give them back to Jesus.
The only way to get crowns is by how we live now. Scripture clearly lays out four crowns (five if you count the imperishable crown) a believer can receive and how they can get one.
The imperishable crown is given to believers who live sacrificially for the Lord so they will win and get the prize.
The crown of righteousness is for those who live faithfully and intentionally for the Lord to the end, looking forward to seeing Jesus.
The crown of rejoicing will be given to those who see the people in heaven they shared the gospel with and faithfully prayed for their salvation.
The crown of glory is for leaders who selflessly care for those under their leadership.
The crown of life is given to anyone who is faithful through difficulties and persecution, including those who are martyred.
Remember, it’s not just the act or deed itself; it’s also about our motives. Although that makes it more challenging, that’s what God is after and one of the reasons He gave us the Holy Spirit.
It’s a tension all believers live in.
Do you find it difficult to live for the Lord without selfish motives? Or wanting a crown for the wrong reasons?