YOU DON’T WANT TO SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED

YOU DON’T WANT TO SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED You’re saved. Praise God. Salvation is the free gift of God, received by faith in Jesus Christ. You don’t earn it, work for it, or keep it through good behavior. Rewards are different. Every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of what we did with the life He gave us. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV The Bible specifically identifies five crowns believers can receive. These may not represent every reward God will give, but they’re the five crowns clearly listed in Scripture. THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN “Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV This crown is connected to spiritual discipline and self-control. Paul compared the Christian life to an athlete training for a race. Your flesh doesn’t get to run your life. You bring it under submission and stay focused on the prize. THE CROWN OF REJOICING “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV This is often called the soul winner’s crown. It’s connected to reaching people with the Gospel and helping them come to Christ. Imagine standing before Jesus with people there because you cared enough to tell them the truth. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness... and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 KJV This crown is promised to those who love and long for Christ’s appearing. They aren’t asleep at the wheel. They’re watching, waiting, and living like Jesus could return at any moment. THE CROWN OF LIFE “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” James 1:12 KJV This crown is connected to enduring temptation, trials, persecution, and suffering while remaining faithful to Christ. Revelation 2:10 also promises the crown of life to those who remain faithful unto death. THE CROWN OF GLORY “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4 KJV This crown is promised to faithful shepherds who care for God’s people willingly and lead by example. That includes pastors and spiritual leaders who feed the flock instead of using it to feed themselves. These crowns aren’t trophies for our heavenly display case. Revelation shows the twenty-four elders casting their crowns before the throne, declaring that the Lord alone is worthy of glory, honor, and power. I don’t want to stand before Jesus empty-handed. Not because I’m afraid of losing salvation. Christ already paid for that in full. I want something to lay at His feet because He is worthy of everything I could possibly give Him. We know what the five crowns are. We know how this life should be lived. There’s no reason to waste it chasing things that will burn. Let’s help one another finish well and strive for all five. #MoreJoyMinistries