John the apostle in Revelation 4:1-11 records a glorious description of the saints in heaven. He beholds God seated on His throne in all His glory (vv.1-3). Surrounding God’s throne are the twenty-four thrones of the elders representing the church of Christ, clothed in robes of righteousness and wearing crowns of gold on their heads (v.4). The presence of the Holy Spirit is signified by seven lamps (v.5). Around God’s throne are four cherubs ceaselessly singing His praises (vv.6-8). In response, the twenty-four elders cast their crowns before God’s throne and exalt Him with their song of praise (vv.10f). Our emphasis here is upon the “crowns of gold” upon the saints. Those wearing them in glory are those who on earth obeyed Christ’s admonition, “Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (3:11). They obeyed by steadfastly holding onto Christ and His gospel and ordinances despite enduring trials and temptations. What are these crowns which the saints in heaven wear? Holy Scriptures identify five. 1. The Imperishable Crown is cited in 1 Corinthians 9:24f: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” 2. The Crown of Righteousness is cited in 2 Timothy 4:7f: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.” 3. The Crown of Life is cited in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ... Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I [Christ] will give you the crown of life.” 4. The Crown of Glory is cited in 1 Peter 5:4: “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 5. The Crown of Rejoicing is cited in 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?”
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