The Crowns Of Heaven Part Ii Series

THE CROWNS OF HEAVEN – PART II

Please open your Bible to Revelation 3:11 as we continue our series on Eternal Rewards with today’s message, “The Crowns of Heaven – Part II.”

At this precise moment, you are preparing for eternity. And very soon, you will stand before Jesus, at His judgment seat and in that moment, He will determine what rewards you will receive. Imagine that moment when Jesus our Savior and King, crowns you with a dazzling crown of splendor that is forever backed by His royal authority. Imagine that all who wear these crowns will be given the right to rule and reign with Jesus forever.

Last week we looked at the Crown of Faithfulness. Today, I hope to get through the other four crowns. In preaching this message, I humbly ask that you forgive me for my pathetic attempt to describe these indescribable, incomprehensible, and unbelievable crowns. However, I pray that this message will put a fire in your soul to seek Jesus Christ and His kingdom and receive the great eternal crowns of heaven.

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. NKJV

HOLD ONTO YOUR CROWN

The Bible speaks of at least 5 crowns that I believe are among the greatest rewards in heaven. When you hear the word crowns, many think of earthly crowns worn by earthly kings. But the crowns of heaven are eternal crowns and their eternal value is so magnificent that Jesus said, “Do not let anyone take your crown.” Paul knew what these crowns represented, and his desire to gain these crowns was so great, that he refused to let anyone or anything stand in his way to receive them. That’s why he said we must live our lives worthy of the calling of Christ, which should be the attitude of every believer.

THE PURSUIT OF ETERNAL REWARDS

Before we dive into the beauty of these great crowns, I first want to lay some groundwork. One of the most serious truths regarding our heavenly rewards is found in the three kinds of Christians that will be revealed at the judgment seat of Christ. Where you fit in with these three categories will determine the level of your rewards and crowns.

First, there is the carnal Christian. A carnal Christian is saved, and believes in Jesus, but is not dedicated in their desire to follow Jesus. The big problem for the carnal Christian, is that they will be in heaven, but they will suffer very severe loss at the judgment seat and not gain any of the great rewards of heaven. You cannot live a fruitless, carnal lifestyle and expect to gain the great rewards of heaven.

The second type of Christians are those I call the casual, loveless Christians of Revelation 2. These Christians know Jeus, but they’re not in love with Jesus. They are not carnal, but neither are they passionate about their love for Jesus. They are causal about their relationship with Jesus. They don’t mind serving Him if it fits in with their schedule.

A third type of Christian are those who are deeply passionate about Jesus. The main difference between a passionate Christian, and a casual or carnal Christian is their love for Jesus. The passionate Christian is not ashamed to be identified in their love for Jesus. They are not ashamed to suffer for the name of Jesus.

The point is, God knows there are carnal Christians, casual Christians, and deeply passionate Christians

who love Jesus. That’s why at the Judgment Seat of Christ, God will reveal before all the host of heaven, what kind of Christian you were on earth. You do not want to stand before Jesus as a carnal or a casual Christian. When He examines your life, you want Him to find that you had a passionate love for Him, because the greater your love and faithfulness to Jesus, the greater your reward.

Colossians 3:23 is a scripture that has helped me stay focused on this great truth…

Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men… NKJV

Your passion and love should be for Jesus Christ and not the false trinkets of the world.

To move from a carnal, casual Christian, to a faithful, passionate Christian, all comes down to level of your love for Jesus. The more you fall in love with Jesus, and recognize the great price He paid to give you eternal life, the more you will love Him, and be faithful to Him. The other side of that is, the less you are in love with Jesus, the less likely you will choose to heartly serve Him. Your love for Jesus is the number one basis of great rewards in heaven. Not all of us can preach, or teach or be a missionary, but, all us can fall in love with Jesus, and love Him heartily in all that we do. That’s what He is looking for.