defeating a certain enemy,
or perhaps completing a certain side quest.
Well guess what? God is also into achievements and it's not just some in-game reward, it's real and you can take it through out eternity. So just what are these achievements anyway?
"Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." Mark 9:41
There are five achievements symbolized as heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. They are the incorruptible crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life.
The moment you receive Jesus Christ as your sin bearer and savior, not only will you be accepted into Heaven to enjoy unveiled fellowship God forever and ever, but all the good deeds you've done will be counted for and you will be rewarded for them and you also become eligible to receive the 5 heavenly crowns.
Now remember, these crowns may not be literal crowns. These could be positions where you will be seated in the Kingdom of Heaven later on. It could also be a symbol of how much you will be in-charge over of in Heaven. No matter what it may be, it is good, and God wants you to earn them, and you definitely would want them.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Also called The Imperishable Crown (sounds cool, huh?). This crown is given to believers who faithfully run the race, who crucify every selfish desire in the flesh and point men to Jesus. God calls some people to do things that will require some sacrifice in the way they will live and conduct their lives, for example people with same-sex attraction who refrain from acting upon their disposition for Christ's sake, to those who block certain websites to avoid pornographic pictures, to people who sacrifice their time and energy in order to serve the Lord when they could easily use the time to engage in earthly pleasures.
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3
"For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?" 1 Thessalonians 2:19
Also been named the Soul Winner's Crown. This crown is given to those who joyously express their faith, to those who faithfully are witnesses to the saving grace of God and leads souls to Jesus, like evangelists who spread the Gospel, to those who aren't ashamed of calling themselves a Christian in the midst of their peers, to those who boldly proclaim Jesus is Lord.
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8
This crown is for all those who long for the return of Jesus, to those who love the appearing of Christ, who anxiously wait and look forward to the day when He will return for His saints.
The word "righteousness" should not be confused with the righteousness of Christ that all believer will receive upon believing in Jesus. It refers to "righteous living" as the result of the works of the Spirit in anticipation of Christ's return.
"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." 1 Peter 5:1-4
Often mistaken as the "Pastor's Crown". Actually it applies to pastoral care and not the office of pastor. Pastoral care, can, and does involve all of us. This crown is given to those who are faithful in ministering to the world. God has a special crown for those spiritual followers who share the word of God. These could be ministers, preachers, evangelists, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders or anyone who faithfully teaches the word of God to others. It can also be given to those who share the word of God to the ones entrusted to them by god, such as family members, children, circle of friends, or even watchers on your page.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death." Revelations 2:8-11
This crown is also referred to as the martyr's crown. The Crown of Life is given to those who are patient, who endure the trials and tribulations in life. It is bestowed to believers who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death. As the end times get closer more of God's people will face this test.
Those are the 5 heavenly crowns mentioned in the Bible, rewarded to those who were obedient to God. Reminder: to unlock these crowns you must first put your belief in Jesus and receive eternal life and a place in Heaven.
Personally, I don't know whether I've lived a righteous life or not, but I do know one thing: That I very-very-very-very much, long for Jesus' return more than anything, and so I look forward to receiving the Crown of Righteousness. Looking at my struggles, sufferings, and the tears I've shed, I also look forward to the Crown of Life.
So are these all the rewards? Of course not. There are other rewards that will be given to every believer, such as eating the fruit from the tree of life, drinking from the fountain of life, receiving the garments of righteousness, getting a new and glorified body. Not to mention the rewards for every good deed done on earth, unique to every believer...
Do you want to "barely" get into Heaven? Or do you want to go to Heaven and receive every treasure God intended you to have. The more rewards you get, the more pleasing you were to God. Just like in games, the greatest rewards and achievements require a lot effort and perseverance. The question is...
...how bad do you want it?
If you are a believer I call unto you to persevere and life a holy life as God was holy. Your sacrifice will not go unrewarded. If you are an unbeliever then I urge you to put your faith in Jesus, because without Him, it will only get worse after you die... much much worse.
Thank you Jesus for loving me, saving me blessing me and accepting me into your kingdom.
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