The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Crown of Life" is a significant theme in Christian eschatology, symbolizing the eternal reward promised to those who remain faithful to God amidst trials and tribulations. This reward is mentioned explicitly in the New Testament, where it serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith.

Biblical References

The "Crown of Life" is directly referenced in two key passages in the New Testament. In James 1:12 , it is written: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse highlights the connection between enduring trials and receiving the crown, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and love for God.

Similarly, Revelation 2:10 states: "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." Here, the crown is presented as a reward for faithfulness even in the face of persecution and death, underscoring the ultimate victory over temporal suffering.

Symbolism and Meaning

The "Crown of Life" symbolizes eternal life and victory over sin and death. In the Greco-Roman world, crowns were often awarded to victors in athletic contests, signifying triumph and honor. This imagery would have resonated with early Christians, who were familiar with such cultural symbols. The crown, therefore, represents not only the reward of eternal life but also the honor and glory bestowed upon those who have overcome the trials of this world through faith.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the "Crown of Life" is a testament to God's faithfulness and justice. It assures believers that their struggles and sacrifices are not in vain but are recognized and rewarded by God. This promise serves as a source of hope and motivation, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges they may face.

The concept also reflects the broader biblical theme of perseverance. Throughout Scripture, believers are called to endure hardships and remain faithful to God. The "Crown of Life" is a tangible expression of the ultimate reward for such perseverance, reinforcing the idea that faithfulness to God is of eternal significance.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christians, the promise of the "Crown of Life" serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal perspective that should guide their lives. It encourages believers to focus on the eternal rewards rather than the temporary struggles of this world. This perspective can provide strength and encouragement in times of trial, reminding Christians that their faithfulness will be rewarded by God.

Moreover, the "Crown of Life" challenges believers to examine their own lives and commitment to God. It calls for a deep and abiding love for God, as well as a willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. In this way, the promise of the crown becomes both a source of hope and a call to action, urging Christians to live lives worthy of the eternal reward that awaits them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 2:10
Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Examination and Rewarding of the Believer's Works.
... His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints" (Heb.6 ... crown (1:Cor.9:25), which
is the reward for faithful ... who have tended the flock; and the crown of Life ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/5 the examination and rewarding.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... All saints come to the kingdom through blood. Christ's hanging upon the cross was
to bring us to the crown. ... God does not cut us out work and give no reward. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

Christ's Kingly Office
... promise of this life.' 1 Timothy 4:4. These are, as it were, the saints' veils ... But
the great reward is to come ... I will give thee a crown of life.' Revelation 2:20 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Other saints do the same. ... me in death, and reward my poor services with an eternal
reward.". ... depart, and be with Christ." He knew that "a crown of righteousness ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

The Requisites of Merit
... consideration of the greater holiness of some saints who are ... or equality existing
between merit and reward, owes its ... I, 12: "He shall receive the crown of life ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 the requisites of.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life ... of mind renders it certain, that
the saints will always ... the other; in holy beings the hope of reward, and the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Of the Benefits of Martyrdom.
... of the Lord is the death of His saints." [4288] Also ... in that day, and exult; for,
lo, your reward is great ... even unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/16 of the benefits of.htm

Whether a Man in Grace Can Merit Eternal Life Condignly
... in us." Now the sufferings of the saints seem to ... with a righteous judgment would
seem to be a condign reward. ... there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article three whether a man 2.htm

Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... past or anticipating the future, and never looks for reward. ... The saints, sages, and
saviors of all time are ... blind idolaters of self, accepts the crown of thorns ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, ISIDORE ... and unstable things
by the hope of future reward. ... and meekness as with a divine crown, thou, O ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

Resources
Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.org

How can we store up treasures in heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.org

Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Reward

Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness

The Reward of Saints is from God

The Reward of Saints is Full

The Reward of Saints is Great

The Reward of Saints is Inestimable

The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure

The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone

The Reward of Saints is Satisfying

The Reward of Saints is Sure

The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness

The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens

The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom

The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable

The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance

The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory

The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown

The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ

The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose

The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God

The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ

The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord

The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life

The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light

The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy

The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light

The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits

The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ

The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God

The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With

The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever

The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Rest

The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of

The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ

The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars

The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ

The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward

The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven

Related Terms

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory
Top of Page
Top of Page