'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 NIV]
When I read this verse again in preparation for writing the Day Share blogs, I was immediately reminded of a really old hymn:
I shall wear a golden crown
When I get home
I shall lay my burdens down
When I get home
Clad in robes of glory
I shall sing the story
Of the Lord who bought me
When I get home
However much I like old hymns, it is risky to base our theology on verses of hymns. The hymn writers were amazing but their hymns are not part of the inspired Word of God. What does James mean when he speaks about a 'crown of life.' John MacArthur suggests that this crown of life refers to '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.' He plays down the idea of reward in this verse. He translates the phrase as 'the crown which is life.' It was not a golden crown which is meant in this verse. It is more likely to be a laurel wreath which would be placed on the head of the winner after the athletic events which were popular across the Greek world. This is not the only reference to this idea of a crown being given to believers. Paul speaks of a 'crown of righteousness in his second letter to Timothy:
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 NIV]
Peter speaks of a crown of glory in his first letter:
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. [1 Peter 5:4 NIV]
In the last book of the Bible, we read of a victor's crown:
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. [Revelation 2:10 NIV]
If we combine all these ideas together we see a pattern emerging. The verses were all written to Christians who were experiencing hardship. They were marginalised and downtrodden. But there is a promise of future reward in heaven. It is a reward for faithfulness and perseverance. This crown is life - obviously eternal life (James 1:10). That is a great reward when we begin to appreciate what it means to experience the life of heaven in all its fulness (See John 10:10 and John 17:3). This is knowing God and Jesus Christ, the sent One from the Father. [See Day Share entitled 'So that they may have life abundantly 9/12/2020). If we think that we know Jesus in this life, we will soon discover that there is infinitely more to discover. Every day will be a staggering, fresh revelation of the infinite character of God. William MacDonald suggests that the reward will be a deeper fuller appreciation of this eternal life in heaven.
It is a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). Obviously, it cannot be my righteousness because I have none. I am only a sinner saved by grace. But in the eternal state, I will be clothed in His righteousness - the garments of salvation. This is imputed righteousness - a gift from God. That is a wonderful reward and a token of divine grace. I will be justified in God's sight. I will not have the burden of sins any longer. I will be truly like Jesus Christ my Saviour.
It is a crown of glory. I will share in Christ's glory. I cannot begin to imagine what that will involve. It is beyond my grasp or imagination. I belong to this earth and I cannot begin to comprehend heavenly things. It sounds wonderful, though,
It is a victor's crown. It is a reward for perseverance and faithfulness. I will share in the victory of calvary. When a victorious leader returned to the city, there was rejoicing and celebration. That celebration will last for ever. Our lives are inextricably linked with Christ's life. Our lives are “hidden” with Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1–4). We have died with Him and we live with Him and we share in His joy (Romans 6:8; Matthew 25:21). In heaven we will dwell with Him (John 14:1–3).
This is intended to cheer the heart of dispirited believers who were enduring trials and tribulations and it should have the same effect on us today. Do you feel the disappointments and troubles associated with this world? A day of reward is coming.
In that context, the believer looks forward to the judgement seat of Christ or the bema (2 Corinthians 5:10). The word originally was used for the podium or elevated platform on which the athletes received their rewards and laurel crowns. This judgement will right the wrongs which we have suffered in this life. It is not about sin - our sins have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ shed for us on the cross. There is not any thought of punishment. It is a question of reward for faithfulness and service. I remember a conversation with Peter Maiden who was far better known than ever I will be. He played a prominent role in the Keswick Convention and was a well-known Bible teacher and writer. Peter had a conversation with me on the subject of the judgement seat and that Jesus would take account of our faithfulness not how well-known or 'famous' we were on earth. In fact, as Peter Maiden was saying, there will be rewards for people whose lives have been obscure and who have suffered many injustices.
So it is not about material things such as would be suggested by a 'golden crown' nor is it about 'mansions' or other material symbols of status and wealth. This is the divine currency and divine approval and all the earthly perspectives will be reversed because they have no validity in heaven.
But as we close this blog, look back to the verse again. This crown of life is for those who love him. This is the key ingredient in our worship and our service. If we are serving him out of a sense of duty or to gain recognition, we are going to be disappointed. We will miss out in future rewards because we have already been rewarded on this earth.
Photo created by Karren McPherson
Christ had a crown of thorns, of course, which was also the priest's turban Ex 28:37-38 which became the cloth wrapped round his head in death Jn 20:7