Crown of Rejoicing – Soul Winner’s Crown
Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.”
1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
The Crown of Rejoicing (also called the Soul Winner’s Crown) is a crown given to Believers who have made it their life’s mission to see lost souls saved. The Bible says that “those who win souls will shine like the stars forever.” There is an eternal reward that is exclusive to those who obeyed the Great Commission. Those is not just for those in the full time ministry, but every Believer can get this crown! Every soul you win, or help to win, will come to your account and go toward your Crown of Rejoicing.
The Crown of Righteousness – Victor’s Crown
2 Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.“
The Crown of Righteousness will be handed out to certain believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ, together with the other crowns. The Crown of Righteousness is the Winner’s Crown—also known as the Overcomer’s Crown or the Victor’s Crown. It’s a crown for those who finish their race.
This is not a crown just for being saved and made righteous by believing in Jesus. The Crown of Righteousness is given to all those who look forward to His return—those who fight the good fight of faith, who have finished the race and who have kept the faith.
The Crown of Life – Martyr’s Crown
James 1:12 KJV “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
The Crown of Life is also known as the Martyr’s Crown This crown is promised to those who are faithful unto death. It is also promised to those who live prepared to die for their witness (Revelation 3:11-12).
Revelation 2:10 “Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and proved and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life.”
The Crown of Glory – Elder’s / Pastor’s Crown
1 Peter 5:1-4 NKJV – The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”
The Crown of Glory is awarded to pastors and elders, who have been faithful ministers of the Gospel. The Crown of Glory is for all those who are called of God, who have obeyed God in their calling and who have faithfully served His people. God has called some people to be in full-time ministry (Eph 4:11-13). He has called others to serve in a “ministry of helps” capacity.
1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV – And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Hebrews 6:10 AMP – For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do
The Greek word for “crown” is stephanos, which is the crown awarded at the games. It was made of olive or laurel and soon faded. The Crown of Glory, which the Lord will give to His under-shepherds, is eternal and will outlast the ages!