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      As mentioned earlier, Jesus warned us not to let any man take our crowns. Let's look at each crown, and see how others can make us lose our crowns.

      Crown of Life

      The Crown of Life is given to those who patiently endure the present trials and tests that come in this life. Those who are overcomers will receive this crown as a reward for their faithfulness. Others can take this crown from the believer through false teaching. Most of the Church has not been taught what it really means to be an overcomer. By so doing, most Christians will not gain this most basic crown.

      Most believers feel that they are automatically overcomers by virtue of their salvation. They have never allowed the Holy Spirit to teach them how to really experience His overcoming power in their life. Sadly, false teaching has robbed most of the Church of this most basic reward.

      Incorruptible Crown

      The incorruptible crown is given to those faithful believers who allow the Spirit to be the master over their flesh. Others will try to take this crown from you by telling you that it doesn't matter how you live after you are saved. They will say, "Go sow a few wild oats," or "You are saved by Grace, don’t worry about it."

      The worldly Laodicea church age is filled with Christians who have given in to the desires of the flesh. Don't listen to them; don't let them take your crown. The small pleasures this world has to offer pale in comparison to the many astounding things God has awaiting His faithful.

      Crown of Righteousness

      This crown is given to those who keep the faith, and love His appearing. Others will try to take this crown from you by trying to get you to give up looking for the Lord's return. This can happen in two ways. Most in the Church are not interested in speaking about the Rapture. By so doing, these believers can discourage your faith and hope in the Lord's coming; thereby causing you to lose your crown. The second way is through the many false alarms that have sounded. Don't cease looking for Jesus! He said He is coming again, and He will return at just the right moment, and not one day late! Don't let others take this crown from you.

      Crown of Rejoicing

      The soul winner’s crown is given to those who are actually leading other Christians into a deeper relationship with Jesus. This crown has been stolen from most in the Church today because the doctrine of rewards is not understood or taught. Don’t let this keep you from earning this reward. Help others to be faithful disciples of Christ.

      Crown of Glory

      The Crown of Glory is given to those who are found nourishing God's flock. Others will try to take this crown from you by telling you that it is reserved for the Pastor. Sadly, many Pastors are not properly feeding the flock of God today. This crown is God's reward to those who know and love God's Word sufficiently to teach others the real truth. Be faithful to Him, and He will give you this reward very, very soon!

      All Christians should be actively seeking all of the above crowns. These crowns are rewards for faithfully serving the Lord. God has ordained the “good works” He wants every believer to perform, and those who are faithful will be richly rewarded for their humble accomplishments in His service.

      However, many Christians will arrive at the Judgement Seat of Christ without even one crown. These Christians will be saved, but they will not receive any rewards due to their unfruitful and unfaithful lives.

      While these Christians are saved, their lack of rewards are an indictment of their failure to abide in Christ for His direction in their lives:

      “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (I John 2:28)

      Regrettably, many Christians will be ashamed when Jesus returns because they failed in the missions that God had ordained for their lives. While their spirit was saved, they failed to work out their salvation and thereby secure the salvation of their soul.

      “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

      In the next chapter, we will look further into what it means to save your soul and to work out your salvation.