Heaven’s Oscars
After the rapture of the Church, Christians will receive rewards for the work that they did during their time on earth.
Remember: Ephesians 2:8 (NLTse)
[8] God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
The "Victor's Crown" or "Crown of Life:" Christian’s perseverance and faithfulness. Here are some key points regarding how believers may receive this crown during God's evaluation:
1. Faithful Endurance: Enduring trials and temptations. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
2. Faithfulness in Service: In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, the Apostle Paul speaks about having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. He mentions the crown awaiting him, suggesting that those who live faithfully and serve God's purpose will receive this reward.
3. Living Righteously: Living a life of righteousness, love, and service. Living your life according to God’s standards and not modifying them to meet the world’s traditions or society’s opinion.
Overall, the Victor's Crown rewards believers that strive to be faithfulness and dedicated to God throughout their lives.
The "Crown of Rejoicing." Christian’s who led others to Christ and model a Christian lifestyle for other to follow.
1. Symbol of Joy and Celebration: The Crown of Rejoicing symbolizes the joy that results from leading others to Christ. It represents the fulfillment and happiness that come from sharing the Gospel and seeing others accept that message.
2. Evangelistic Efforts: This crown is often associated with those who participate in evangelism and disciple-making. It reflects the fruits of one's labor in the Lord, particularly concerning bringing people to faith and nurturing them in their spiritual journey.
3. Community of Believers: The crown serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of faith, where believers contribute to one another's spiritual growth. It implies that the relationships formed through evangelism and discipleship are significant in the eyes of God.
In summary, the Crown of Rejoicing is a reward for those who actively engage in the mission of evangelism, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of others and fostering relationships within the Christian community. It signifies a deep, eternal joy that stems from faithfulness in ministry and outreach.
The "Crown of Righteousness." For those who long for Jesus’ return.
1. Associated with Faithfulness: The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, refers to this crown as a reward for those who have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. This implies that the Crown of Righteousness is given to believers who live faithfully and steadfastly according to God’s calling in their lives.
2. Love for Christ’s Appearing: The crown is specifically promised to those who eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. According to 2 Timothy 4:8, it is "for all who have longed for his appearing," emphasizing the importance of hope and anticipation for Christ's second coming.
3. Symbol of Righteousness: The crown signifies a state of righteousness, which is both imputed (credited) to believers through faith in Christ and something that they strive to live out in their daily lives (Philippians 2:12; work out your own salvation…). It reflects the transformation that occurs in individuals who walk in alignment with God's will.
4. Encouragement for Perseverance: The mention of this crown serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere through trials and challenges in this life, with the assurance that their faithfulness will be rewarded.
In summary, the Crown of Righteousness represents the rewards for those who remain faithful to their Christian commitments, demonstrating a life of righteous living while eagerly anticipating the return of Christ. It highlights the relationship between faith, perseverance, and the ultimate justice and reward from God.
The "Crown of Life." Also known as the "Victors’ Crown," is a biblical reward mentioned in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10. Here are the key aspects associated with this crown:
1. Promise for Endurance: James 1:12 (NLTse)
[12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." This highlights that the crown is bestowed upon those who endure trials, temptations, and challenges in their faith.
2. Reward for Faithfulness: In Revelation 2:10, Jesus tells the church in Smyrna not to fear suffering and assures them that they will receive the Crown of Life if they remain faithful, even to the point of death. This underscores the idea that enduring faith, especially in persecution or suffering for one’s beliefs, is rewarded by God.
3. Symbol of Eternal Life: The Crown of Life can also be interpreted as a symbol of eternal life or spiritual vitality that comes from a relationship with God. It reflects the idea that those who genuinely love and remain faithful to God, particularly under duress, will be rewarded with eternal joy in His presence.
4. Encouragement in Trials: The promise of the Crown of Life serves as motivation for believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and afflictions. It reassures them that their struggles will be recognized and rewarded by God.
In summary, the Crown of Life is a significant reward for those who endure trials and remain faithful to God, representative of the eternal life and joy that await believers in Christ. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith, especially when faced with difficulties.
The "Crown of Glory" is mentioned in 1 Peter 5:4 and is specifically associated with spiritual leadership and shepherding within the Christian community. Here are the key points related to the Crown of Glory:
1. Reward for Shepherds and Leaders: The term is often applied to church leaders and elders who faithfully lead and care for their congregations. 1 Peter 5:2-4 encourages leaders to shepherd God’s flock willingly and eagerly, not for selfish gain but because they are called to do so. The promise of the Crown of Glory is given to those who serve faithfully in this role.
2. Encouragement and Motivation: The Crown of Glory serves as motivation for leaders to remain steadfast in their duties, providing spiritual care, guidance, and protection for their congregations. It emphasizes the importance of leading with humility, dedication, and love.
3. Symbol of Honor: The crown symbolizes honor and recognition from God for the efforts made in service and leadership. It highlights the idea that God sees and rewards those who devote themselves to leading others in faith.
4. Eternal Perspective: The Crown of Glory encourages both leaders and believers to maintain an eternal perspective. It reassures them that their labor in the Lord is not in vain and that there is a divine reward awaiting them.
In summary, the Crown of Glory represents the reward for faithful service and leadership within the church, symbolizing the honor and recognition that God gives to those who shepherd His people with care and commitment. It emphasizes the significant impact that spiritual leaders have on the faith journeys of others and encourages them to fulfill their roles with integrity and love.
THE BOTTOM LINE TO OUR LIFE HERE ON EARTH:
Romans 12:1-21 (NLTSE)
A Living Sacrifice to God
[12:1] And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
[3] Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given use. [4] Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, [5] so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
[9] Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. [10] Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. [11] Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. [12] Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. [13] When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
[14] Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. [15] Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!
[17] Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. [18] Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
[19] Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
"I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,"
says the LORD.
[20] Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads."
[21] Don't let evil conquer you but conquer evil by doing good.
WORSHIP IS TO QUICKEN THE CONSCIENCE BY THE HOLINESS OF GOD, TO FEED THE MIND WITH THE TRUTH OF GOD, TO PURGE THE IMAGINATION WITH THE BEAUTY OF GOD, TO OPEN THE HEART TO THE LOVE OF GOD AND TO DEVOTE THE WILL TO THE PURPOSE OF GOD.