Treasures in Heaven?

[John Doe]

I know little bits through minor studies on storing up your treasures in Heaven... What exactly though, through your experience and study, does this imply? Do we literally earn rewards (crowns) when we get to heaven, based on what we do in this life?

Thanks for any and all input... my wife and I have been discussing this lately, and my knowledge is lacking.

[Surrender]

I know little bits through minor studies on storing up your treasures in Heaven... What exactly though, through your experience and study, does this imply? Do we literally earn rewards (crowns) when we get to heaven, based on what we do in this life?

Thanks for any and all input... my wife and I have been discussing this lately, and my knowledge is lacking.Yes, we can receive crowns. These are not related to the secure salvation of the believer in the Body of Christ.

The Crown of Life
James 1:12 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 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.
Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

The crown of life is something awarded specifically for those who have endured temptation, have been tried or have been faithful unto death.

The Incorruptible Crown
1 Cor 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The incorruptible crown is something specifically awarded to those who have won a spiritual race that is marked out by God for each believer.

The Crown of Righteousness
2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The crown of righteousness is something specifically awarded to those who keep the faith through a “fight” until the end of their race and this crown is also for those who love His appearing.

The Crown of Rejoicing
1 Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Phil 4:1-3 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

The crown of rejoicing is something specifically awarded to those who have other souls to present to the Lord at His coming.

The Crown of Glory
1 Pet 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

The crown of glory is something specifically awarded to those who feed “the flock” and are examples to “the flock.”

[John Doe]

Thanks! That is helping to clarify... but are these physical awards... like trophies presented to us in Heaven? Or, are they figurative, stating only that we are commended for doing what we are called to do on this earth, and the only real trophy is being in the presence of God Himself forever? (A great reward, none the less!)

[run2Jesus]

I know little bits through minor studies on storing up your treasures in Heaven... What exactly though, through your experience and study, does this imply? Do we literally earn rewards (crowns) when we get to heaven, based on what we do in this life?

Thanks for any and all input... my wife and I have been discussing this lately, and my knowledge is lacking.

The Bible says we are earning rewards NOW by our contributions to the Kingdom. Soul-winning efforts:witnessing, placing out tracts, one on one deliverance of the Gospel, all these are contributions to the Kingdom. Also serving by helping your neighbor or church member in problems they are facing but doing so in a way that it is evident your efforts are Christ-motivated. Cheerfully cutting an old neighbor's grass or taking one to the doctor when they have no other way. Bringing over a hot meal to a bed ridden neighbor. Just being a good listener to someone who is going through rough times. Also what ever monetary gifts you might be led to give to the causes of the furtherance of God's Kingdom. Jesus said just giving a cup of water to a thirsty traveler is the same as doing so for Him. Whatever you do when you do it whole heartedly as if doing it for Christ Himself you are laying up treasures for yourself in Heaven. Rewards are what a Christian earns in THIS life. Remember salvation is a FREE GIFT and in no way related to your rewards but the rewards are contingent on service in the Name of Jesus. The Bible also says rewards can be taken away. I don't exactly know what actions may lead to loss of rewards but the Bible says they can be lost---but again, this does by no mean indicate your salvation will ever be lost.
At the Marriage Supper of the Lamb right after the Rapture has taken place the rewards will be meted out. It will be at that glorious time we shall hear our wonderful Savior say, "Well done good and faithful servant."

[John Doe]

That's great Run2Jesus! Thank you for confirming these things - my wife and I will continue to study this and other things as well. I'm blessed by your knowledge of the word, I pray the Lord blesses you likewise in return!

See you all soon!!