James H. Cagle
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6: 23).
“For we must all appear before the judgment (bema) seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5: 10). See also Rom. 14: 10, 12.
Salvation is a gift from God to the repentant sinner that comes by faith to trust Jesus Christ as his Savior. Salvation is not a reward for works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2: 8, 9). We obtain salvation or own it as something we received as a gift (1 Thess. 1: 5).
After a person becomes a Christian they will through their service to Christ earn rewards and crowns on that day when the Christian is judged for his works (1 Cor. 3: 11-15).
The Bible says there are specific crowns that can be won in our service here on earth that will be given to us in Heaven at the Bema seat of Christ. At the Bema seat of Christ there is no judgment or punishment for sins. The judgment and punishment for our sins were dealt with fully at Calvary. Some Christian’s will receive rewards and some won’t, but none are chastened or punished or cast out.
The Crown of “life” is mentioned in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10. This is the martyr’s crown. The one who is faithful not “until” death but “unto” death receives this crown.
The Crown of “Glory” is mentioned in 1 Peter 5: 2-4. This crown is given to faithful Pastors, who do not serve for “filthy lucre” or “lord it over God’s heritage.”
The Crown of “Rejoicing” is the “soul winners” crown. The ones that we win, to Christ will be our crown of rejoicing at Christ’s appearing (1 Thess. 2:19, 20; Phil. 4:1).
The Crown of “Righteousness” is a crown given to those who “love His appearing” and will be given on “that day” —the Day of His Appearing (2 Timothy 4: 8). The hope of Christ’s appearing was the impetus for them living a pure life (1 Jn. 3: 1-3).
The Incorruptible Crown or “Victor’s” crown is for those who “keep under their body” (1 Cor. 25-27), who live holy and separated lives, who do not yield to the fleshly lusts and worldly amusement and pleasures.
When the Christian receives their crowns they will in their worship of the Lamb, cast them at the feet of Jesus, because He alone is worthy of all our praise, honor and glory, and if it were not for His salvation and grace the Christian would not have won any crowns (Rev. 4: 10). If we have not served Christ here we will not have any crowns to honor Him with on that day.
Don’t Forget You’re Leaving
When our Lord, for Heaven was leaving
On a silver cloud ascending
He gave word He’d be returning
To take us Home with Him attending.
So amid your trials alarming
And worldly pleasures so disarming
See on Christ you’re strongly leaning
And don’t forget you’ll soon be leaving.
Though your light is now receding
And tempestuous waves are beating
Fix your gaze on Christ Who’s reigning
And keep in mind you’ll soon be leaving.
Are your health and strength declining?
Then on Christ be all-relying.
Trust His grace; thy faith deciding,
And don’t forget you’ll soon be leaving.
Are you cold and oft’ backsliding,
In Christ’ love you’re not abiding,
And in His Word you’re not confiding,
Did you forget that you were leaving?
Have you ceased from holy watching’s,
And look no longer for His coming,
And your sins you’re not forsaking,
Did you forget that you were leaving?
Are there things that you’re regretting;-
Awful sins that were besetting?
Confess to Christ and cease from fretting.
Soon He’ll come, your sins forgetting.
Have you from the Truth been turning?
And God’s grace and will you’re spurning?
For Christ’ coming you’re not yearning?
What shame you’ll have at His returning.
Do you find this world appealing;
As your love for Christ it’s stealing?
Embrace the Cross and know its healing.
And don’t forget this world you’re leaving.
When the enemy is assailing
Hide in Christ whose all-prevailing
And whose love is never-failing
And don’t forget you’ll soon be leaving.
Are you vexed by Satan’s chafing?
With fiery darts your soul he’s strafing?
Just remember crowns you’re winning,
And don’t forget you’ll soon be leaving.
Are there loved ones you are grieving,
As to their memory you’re clinging,
Who in Heaven now are waiting?
There is for you a reunion nearing.
Are you weary of the governing,
Of world rulers and their arguing?
Soon we’ll leave amidst their warring,
To a Kingdom where Christ is reigning.
Soon He’ll come, His word fulfilling,
Our Savior and King on clouds descending,
Long we’ve looked for His appearing,
Expect this day that you’ll be leaving.
Are you with this world consenting?
Be not false in your pretending,
Turn to Christ with heart repenting,
And you’ll rejoice at His appearing.
James H. Cagle ©
