Published on 05/17/2007

Scripture describes a variety of "crowns" or rewards our Father wants to give his children in heaven. Paul stated: "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 9:25). What kind of "crowns"?

Commentary

Soon we'll be able to carry John Adams in our pockets. This morning's New York Times announces that the United States Mint is releasing today the second design in their presidential one-dollar coin series. 300 million coins featuring George Washington came into circulation in February. 190 million John Adams coins will soon join them.

By the end of the year, the mint expects to produce at least a billion coins bearing the images of the first four presidents. Let's see--that would be Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and who? I'm embarrassed to admit that I had to look it up--James Madison, who served from 1809-17. After I begin spending him, I'll probably remember him.

When our first presidents agreed to serve their fledgling country, who knew that they would be remembered in this way two centuries later? Who of us can predict the future significance of our present actions? Only the Lord.

We're exploring God's promise to forgive every sin we confess to him (1 John 1:9). Why, then, can we not sin and confess, sin and confess? On Tuesday we learned that such "confession" is not biblical--contrition and repentance are essential to the kind of confession which is genuine and receives God's forgiving grace. Yesterday we considered a second fact: obedience leads to eternal reward, while every hour spent in disobedience is an hour we cannot regain and costs us reward we can never receive.

There is a "crown of life" which God gives to those who are faithful under trial: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12); "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 the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10

There is a "crown of glory" promised to spiritual leaders who fulfill their calling: "When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:4). The Bible says much more on this subject, as we'll see tomorrow.