Last night at Frontline we started a series called The After Party, covering subjects like “What Happens the Moment We Die?” and “Is there a literal place called Hell?” and "What will Heaven be like?” Last night we covered a great deal of information and one of the areas I didn’t have the time to explore was the rewards that we may qualify for in heaven. Several Frontliners emailed me last night asking for more detail so here it is!

There are five crowns (rewards) shown in Bible – but there could be more:

1. The Incorruptible Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:25 – This reward is given to those seeking maturity in Christ with every fiber of their being. They read God’s Word and meditate on it daily, pray without ceasing for themselves and others, fast. They pursue solitude, submission to God’s Word, and simplicity in life. This crown is for those who press ceaselessly to know Jesus more intimately with each breath.
2. Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8 – This crown is for those who know that this world is not your own; joy is not found in the things of this world. These followers of Christ hold loosely to the things this world offers and hold tightly to the things of God. They long for the return of Christ and the redemption that comes with Him.
3. Crown of Rejoicing (or the “soul-winner’s crown”) Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – This crown is reserved for those who care for others who don’t yet know Christ. These followers of Christ dive into the lives of non-believers looking moment by moment for opportunities to show the love of Christ in acts of kindness and share the Gospel through these relationships.
4. Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:4 – Those who care for others – believers and non-believers. This is also called “The Shepherd’s Crown.” Small group leaders, ministry activists, pastors – these are the types of followers who receive this reward.
5. Crown of Life - James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; 3:11 – This reward comes to those who endure trials and unspeakable hardships and hang tightly to Jesus through it all. Martyrs for the faith in history and those who will die for Christ before this day is done will receive this crown.

Have you lived lives worthy of the rewards of God?
Some of us have, some have not done these things.

Remember 1 Corinthians 3:13-15:
13 (a person’s) work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Some believers will be rewarded so handsomely by Christ that it will take ten million years in eternity to even begin to wrap their minds around what they’ve received. Others, who have received God’s gift of salvation but have done little with the gift they have received will “be saved, but only as one escaping from the flames.”

Believer, would God say “well done my good and faithful servant” for the life you’ve lived in the past seven days? Or, have you accepted His love and forgiveness and done little with the gift you’ve received?

Be sure to attend one of our campuses (Tysons, Silver Spring, Arlington and Internet) in the coming weeks as we tackle the tough topics of Heaven and Hell straight from the pages of the Bible. See you there and be sure to invite your friends!

Carpe Deum! (Seize God!),
Todd Phillips
Frontline Pastor