Introduction: We have spent many Wednesday evenings studying the Rapture and the events leading up to it. I must admit this has been a study that will strain the senses; we have been bombarded with the cold hard facts of the day and age we live in. At the Rapture we know the Christian will stand before the “Bema” seat or judgment seat of Christ, it is here we will obtain the rewards of our earthly service, the crowns of Christian service. We will look at each of these Crowns over the next five weeks. Tonight we will begin with the “crown of life.” It must be remembered that the crowns are earned rewards and do not pertain to Salvation of a person’s soul through faith in Jesus Christ which can never be lost. Crowns can be lost and the Scriptures attest to this fact. Rev 3:11 (KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. The crown of life is referred in the following Scriptures:

THE CROWN OF LIFE (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10).

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.

Rev 2:10 (KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

This crown is given to all who endure trials and temptations even unto death for Jesus' sake. "They loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11). Examples of those who receive this crown are Stephen, James, John, Peter, Paul, Huss, Tyndale, Latimer, Cranmer, and many others, they are martyrs for the sake of Christ. (Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs.)

Recently we have heard of many missionary’s who have had their lives taken because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Last summer in Afghanistan there were ten killed because of their faith. Recently in Egypt there were many killed in a church both of these by Muslim terrorists. These are two current examples of those who will earn the crown of life.

What about those of us whose lives are never threatened because of our faith? Our faith is challenged daily through temptation and trials (James 1:12). For the Christian who endures these temptations they too shall receive the “crown of life.” The next time you think about comprise think about the “crown of life.”

The crown of life is to be kept separate from the gift of life, which is mentioned in John 4:10, John 5:24, Romans 6:23, and Ephesians 2:8. Eternal life is a free gift from God to all who believe on His Son. "He that hath the Son hath life" (I John 5:11, 12). But those who receive eternal life through faith in Christ may also receive the crown of life in addition, if so be that they suffer for Him even unto death.

Conclusion: The crown of life will be awarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ to those Christians who are “faithful,” “love him,” and “hold fast.” These are Christians who have so dedicated their life to Gods work that they have overcome the temptation of Satan or even lose their lives. You and I are challenged by the Lord to give up our life that we may gain eternal life. No where does He tell us this will be easy, we will fall but we don’t have to fail. Remember Luke 9:23-24 (KJV) ²³ And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. We are to “take up his cross daily” not if or when we feel like or when it is convenient, but daily.