Biblical Logos Blog

In a recent prior post, I recorded passages that speak to the character of a Christian believer. I felt it is one of the most important posts on this blog because it challenges all of us to strive for the standard God has set before us. In that post, we see what the life of faith should look like and we see how each of us needs to move from our current sinful behaviors to conforming ourselves to the image of Christ.

Although our constant striving to be conformed to Christ’s image is a life-long battle, the reward in this life is great. Our relationships are fulfilling. Our families and communities become a joy to us. We can still thrive with joy in times of trouble. But, we tend not to follow the path God has for us because our sinful self-nature is at war with Godly behaviors.

Rom 7:14 -25  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. 

There is an eternal reason to fight against our fleshly, fallen nature however. In the New Testament, Paul teaches about the Bema seat. This is a judgment which believers will go through! We will not be judged based on our sinful acts, as Christ took that penalty for us, but we will be judged on what we did with the gifting and time we have on this Earth to further God’s kingdom. Let’s look at these passages:

2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.  

Rom 14:10 – 12  Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;  for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 

1Co 3:11 – 15 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.  If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 

In these passages, it is clear that these are believers being judged. We also see that the judgment is based on the works that we do here in this life. The judgment will leave us with or without rewards. I think this is the ultimate reason to continue to flight against the flesh! How much value does an eternal reward have? If the reward is eternal, then the reward is also infinite because it has no end! Let’s look at what the Apostle Paul thought about the value of these rewards:

Php 3:12 – 14  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

1Co 9:24 – 27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 

Why does Paul talk about the “judgment seat (Greek: bema) of Christ”? The term “bema” comes from a Greek word for a raised platform or judicial bench, often used in ancient games to award prizes to victors. This imagery Paul uses consistently when talking about the judgment of believers. It implies that Jesus, the righteous judge, will evaluate us on how we ran the race of life. Did we squander our time here living for ourselves? Did we use the gifting that God has given each of us to further his kingdom? This is why this blog post and the prior one on Christian character are so important. Do you want eternal reward for how you lived your life?

What do these rewards look like. Paul again was not silent on describing rewards or crowns we may obtain by fulfilling our calling in this life. Paul describes 5 crowns / rewards we can achieve in this life which will be awarded at the Bema Seat.

Here are the five crowns and the corresponding New Testament passages associated with them:

1. The Incorruptible (or Imperishable) Crown

• Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
• Description: This crown is for those who live a disciplined, self-controlled life, likened to an athlete training for a competition. It is a reward for mastering the flesh and persevering in the Christian walk.

2. The Crown of Righteousness

• Passage: 2 Timothy 4:8
• Description: This crown is for those who have lived a righteous life and who eagerly “love His appearing” (the return of Christ). It is a reward for a life lived with an eternal perspective, longing for Jesus’ second coming.

3. The Crown of Life

• Passage: James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10
• Description: This crown is promised to those who endure trials, temptations, and even persecution, remaining faithful to Christ “even to the point of death.” It is often called the “martyr’s crown,” but it also applies to anyone who perseveres through great suffering for Christ’s sake.

4. The Crown of Glory

• Passage: 1 Peter 5:4
• Description: This crown is specifically for those who are faithful spiritual leaders and “shepherd the flock” of God’s people with a humble, willing heart, not for personal gain. It is a reward for a leader’s faithful service and good example.

5. The Crown of Rejoicing

• Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and Philippians 4:1
• Description: This crown is for “soul-winners”—those who have led others to Christ. It represents the joy and honor of seeing people who were brought to faith through your efforts standing with you in the presence of the Lord.

Let’s not waste our time here in this life. Press forward and win the race!