The Kingdom. James T. Harman

      Crown of Glory

      The Crown of Glory is given to those who are found nourishing God's flock. Others will try to take this crown from you by telling you that it is reserved for the Pastor. Sadly, many Pastors are not properly feeding the flock of God today. This crown is God's reward to those who know and love God's Word sufficiently to teach others the real truth. Be faithful to Him, and He will give you this reward very, very soon!

      All Christians should be actively seeking all of the above crowns. These crowns are rewards for faithfully serving the Lord. God has ordained the “good works” He wants every believer to perform, and those who are faithful will be richly rewarded for their humble accomplishments in His service.

      However, many Christians will arrive at the Judgement Seat of Christ without even one crown. These Christians will be saved, but they will not receive any rewards due to their unfruitful and unfaithful lives.

      While these Christians are saved, their lack of rewards are an indictment of their failure to abide in Christ for His direction in their lives:

      “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (I John 2:28)

      Regrettably, many Christians will be ashamed when Jesus returns because they failed in the missions that God had ordained for their lives. While their spirit was saved, they failed to work out their salvation and thereby secure the salvation of their soul.

      “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

      In the next chapter, we will look further into what it means to save your soul and to work out your salvation.