What is the Crown of Life in the Bible?
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There are no promises in Scripture that life will be easy for Christians. In fact, it promises the opposite (2 Timothy 3:12). However, it also assures us that if we stay true to our Heavenly Father, glory will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18) and we will receive the crown of life.
Where Does the Bible Mention a Crown of Life?
The crown of life is mentioned in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10. James 1:12 declares, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Revelation 2:10 states, “Fear none of the things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
A crown symbolizes royalty. Over the decades, kings and queens have been the ones who have worn crowns. Princes and princesses have worn crowns. To have a crown, you had to be of noble blood. A crown is made of pure gold and adorned with precious jewels. Many times, in the Bible, high priests also wore crowns.
Who Receives the Crown of Life?
Believers of Jesus Christ receive the crown of life. We must also understand that before Jesus came, God had made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Jesus came so that Gentiles might be saved and that atonement might be made for the sins of man. Sacrifices of goats and lambs are no longer necessary. Jesus became the Lamb for humanity when He laid His life down on the cross. God had a plan for the salvation of Jews before we as Gentiles could be grafted in. They too shall receive a crown of life. James 1:12 says the crown of life is for all who love God.
We show that we love God by loving others and keeping His commandments ( 1 John 5:2). The Bible also declares that His commandments are not hard to keep. Anyone who is born of God overcomes the world. We have a victory that overcomes the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).
What is the Tribulation in Revelation 2?
This scripture from Revelation foreshadows what Christians will experience during the tribulation period. This is the period when the saints shall be raptured. Many will get saved who are left behind. They will suffer persecution because of their faith. The devil or the Antichrist will cast believers into prison. This is an attempt to intimidate believers into worshipping the devil or taking the mark of the beast. Saints are not to waiver but be faithful unto death, and they shall receive a crown of life. This is why it is essential for people to get saved before this particular period. We need to stay prayed up and pray for family members, friends, and enemies. We want all who can to receive a crown of life.
We are to remain steadfast in our faith and believe in Jesus. No matter how challenging times may be, know that we can receive a crown of life. You cannot be lukewarm when it comes to your faith. You need to be all in. In the book of James, the author is speaking to new believers (The KJV Study Bible, 2011). He is trying to encourage them because the walk with Christ is difficult. It was challenging in those days. Many times, the saints were persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.
In Revelation 2:10, John reveals to the church of Smyrna that they should not fear anything that they might suffer. He revealed that many had been deceived by those who said they were Jews who were actually of the synagogue of Satan. During this time, Christianity was outlawed by the Roman empire. Believers were held in contempt if they refused to worship the Roman emperor (The KJV Study Bible, 2011).
What Was the Church of Smyrna?
In Revelation, John reveals what God showed him. Jesus said unto the church of Smyrna, “I know their works, and tribulation and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9)
Smyrna was a city on the western coast of Asia Minor. According to Acts 19:10, Paul the Apostle spent two years teaching in Asia. So, those living there heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, both Jews and Greeks. This city was considered the most brilliant city in Asia Minor during the Roman age. Smyrna is also a modern-day city in Asia Minor, the largest city in the region.
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer, behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried: and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) Jesus identifies this church by the distresses they have experienced. During this time, Christianity was banned. Saints of this time needed encouragement on an elevated level.
What Is the Second Death?
The second death is referenced in Revelations 20:6. When we as humans die and leave our physical bodies, this is the first death. When you receive your judgment for this life, and it is not heaven, that is the second death. The second death is separation from God in hell and then transference to the lake of fire. Much of what is revealed in Revelation has to do with End Times events. Those left after the church’s rapture who become Christians will endure many things.
Revelation 20:6 states, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years.” These saints did not worship the beast, nor did they receive his mark. They were martyred for their faith. They will be resurrected to rule with Jesus (The KJV Study Bible).
That is why it is so important to witness to the lost. Many people are deceived by various religions that reel people in with untruths. God is so good to us and allows us to make our own choices. There are consequences for choices that do not lead to eternal life. That is why it is important to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and keep a heart of repentance.
How Can We Be Witnesses for Christ?
You do not have to be a minister to witness to the lost. You can take it upon yourself to declare the gospel to anyone who will listen. The stakes are high, and people need to know that the stakes are high. The internet has opened up avenues for the gospel to many. Christian television stations like Trinity Broadcasting Network have opened up avenues to share the gospel. Is it any wonder that we have Christian authors and organizations that spread the gospel? We have online websites like Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and many others. Study God’s word to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
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This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!
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