10/04/2026

 

Samuel Clifford

 

Introduction: 

 

Rewards are mentioned by Biblical authors numerous times in the scriptures and yet are not talked about often enough. This is surprising as they are promises by God to believers themselves on things they will receive in heaven. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to evaluate a certain five rewards that are grouped together and called “The Five Crowns.” What are these crowns? Are they literal? Do they truly matter? How does one receive them? These questions I hope to answer in the following pages. 

 

The Greek word for “crown” is Stephanos and it means a “badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally.” In context, during the ancient Greek games, it referred to a wreath or garland of leaves that would be placed on a victor’s head as a reward for winning an athletic contest. It is the same word used in the gospels to describe the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus the Messiah’s head. 

 

Some argue that the five crowns are literal and made of gold because other items in heaven that are made of gold are literal. For example, Revelation 5:8 mentions a golden bowl of incense. The elders’ harps and golden vials of incense are real and so are the crowns that are cast at Jesus’ feet. Revelation 4:4 describes the elders with “golden crowns on their heads.” Since the 24 elders are the church then it is likely that these literal golden crowns on their heads are the same golden crowns believers receive when they get to heaven. Here is a section of my pre-tribulation rapture research notes in which the 24 Elders are described as the church in context with rewards:

 

Rewards and The 24 Elders

 

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4:4 KJV

 

“and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

 

These Elders are clearly rewarded. Crowns are only promised to the Church for their good works (1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:2-4, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10, 3:11). We see the Churches in Revelation being promised Crowns, and here we see the 24 Elders crowned in Revelation 4:4 and 4:10. This shows very clearly that the 24 Elders represent the Church as we can see by their rewards.

 

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV

 

“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? For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 KJV

 

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 KJV

 

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4 KJV

 

“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." ... Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 KJV

 

“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 KJV

 

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11 KJV

 

Furthermore, this shows us that the Bema Seat Judgment has been taking place since the 24 Elders have their rewards. In order for the Bema Seat Judgment to take place, the whole Church must be in Heaven (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10), and this event will happen “when the Chief Shepherd shall appear” - 1 Peter 5:4. So since the Elders have their Crowns, that means the Chief Shepherd has already appeared for the Church to Rapture them away (1 Thessalonians 4:17), and to reward them all at Bema Seat Judgment in Heaven before the Tribulation begins. 

 

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10 KJV

 

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Coritnhians 5:10 KJV

 

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4 KJV

 

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV

“What Are the Five Heavenly Crowns That Believers Can Receive in Heaven?” GotQuestions.org, https://www.gotquestions.org/heavenly-crowns.html. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

 

“Strong’s Greek: 4735. στέφανος (stephanos) -- Crown, Crowns, Wreath.” Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/greek/4735.htm. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

 

Crown 1: Crown of Life (James 1:12 Revelation 2:10)

 

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12 NASB)

 

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 NASB)

 

Both Revelation 2:10 and James 1:12 have a central condition for those who receive the Crown of Life. The people who receive this must “persevere under trial,” “suffer,” or “be tested.” The crown is for believers who suffer or endure persecution. All believers can demonstrate love for God throughout their lives but only some will suffer and die for God. This promise is not for unbelievers who suffer, only believers who love Him.

 

Crown 2: Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)

 

“in the future there is reserved 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 NASB)

 

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:8 that he and others will receive the Crown of Righteousness. It is given to them because they “have loved His appearing.” In other words, those who receive this crown have gained this reward due to their love and hope in Christ’s return to earth. Those who yearn for the rapture and place their hope in the coming of the Lord (cf. Titus 2:13).

 

Crown 3: Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)

 

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4 NASB)

 

Peter, who is himself an elder and eyewitness of Christ's sufferings, urges leaders to care for God's flock willingly and faithfully. They should serve God out of devotion, not because they feel forced, and not for personal gain. Rather than ruling harshly over those under their care, they should lead by example. If they shepherd God's people in this way, they will receive an eternal "crown of glory" from Christ, the Chief Shepherd, when He returns.

 

Crown 4: Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25)

 

“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:25 NASB) 

 

In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul compares the Christian life to athletic competition. Paul writes that just as runners and athletes train with discipline and self-control to win a temporary prize, believers should pursue their spiritual lives with determination and purpose to obtain the Incorruptible Crown which is also called the Imperishable Crown.

 

Crown 5: Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

 

“For who is our hope, or joy or crown of pride, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Or is it not indeed you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19 NASB)

 

The Crown of Rejoicing is often called the "soul winner's crown" because it is associated with leading others to Christ and helping them grow in their faith. Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that they are his joy and crown because they are evidence of his faithful ministry. The crown is for those who lead others to Christ and through discipleship also help them grow in their fellowship with God.