Posted by
TAB on Saturday, August 16, 2008 8:02:07 AM
The Crown of Life
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NKJV).
The blessed man who has endured temptation, and passed the test, being approved will in that last day receive a prize. The prize in this case is called the "crown of life". This is a special crown or reward. It will be given to those who have endured life threatening trials, and came through them with their faith in tact and stronger than it was before entering that trial. That is truly the heart of every Christian. This could be the only crown that some Christians will receive.
There are rewards for those who will be faithful to the end. There are other rewards given in Scripture to those who are faithful. Understand these are not given for salvation, but for our works after our faith in Christ has been established.
Our salvation has been given and secured through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There will be no judgment concerning our sins, because they have all been judged by the Father. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, judged sin upon His Son in the fullness of His wrath. For anyone to believe that they will face judgment for sin in heaven once we arrive before the throne is to disdain the cross of Christ and to count it as meaningless.
The crown of life is given to all those who love Jesus Christ, and have trusted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. They have witnessed the resurrection of Christ by the power of their changed lives, and their growing undivided love for Him. They are growing in their faith for Him daily.
According to the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE on crown of life. "Here, it denotes the believer’s ultimate reward, eternal life, which God has promised to him and will grant in full at death or at Christ’s coming." p. 1927.
When one has put their faith in Jesus Christ, endured the trials of life, loving Jesus Christ, have been approved, ie., passed the test; and has grown and is growing in the faith; upon death or at the second coming of Jesus will receive the crown of life. This is the reward that every Christian will receive. It is reserved for all "those who love Him."
Do you love Jesus today? Begin loving Him by calling on His name for salvation believing that He died for your sins, was buried - carrying your sins away, and that He rose again bodily from the grave on the third day. Confess your sins, repent and believe.
More than politics, more than your party affiliation, more than your belongings, and more than your family; Love the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship