Elders Will Receive a Special Crown

The greatest work this side of heaven is preaching. The greatest office held is the eldership. The preacher is told he will receive a crown of righteousness--and that along with every faithful Christian (2 Tm. 4:8). But the elders will receive a different crown. Their crown will be a crown of glory (2 Pt. 5:4).

There is no question in my mind that when we enter the timeless side of eternity, there will be degrees of reward and punishment. Take punishment for instance. The Bible says, that it will be more tolerable for some than for others: Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city (Mt. 10:15).But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you (Mt. 11:22).

As for degrees of reward, consider some practical observations. Will a baby go to heaven? Yes. Has that baby ever known the heartache of loss, or dealt with difficulty? No. Has a faithful Christian adult known difficulties, loss, temptation? In deed. Who do you suppose will appreciate heaven more? Here's another one for you. Do Americans know great wealth and riches? Generally speaking, yes they do. Do Africans living in third world conditions (huts, wearing rags), know the same wealth? No. If an American is a faithful Christian, and an African is a faithful Christian, and if both are going to heaven, will they enjoy it? Yes. Who do you suppose will appreciate it more?

So you see, there are degrees of reward for those who die in the Lord. The same is true with respect to elders. An elder who has done well is promised a a crown (stephanos) of glory (doxa). Theirs will be a crown of dignity, glory and honor. Christians are promised a crown (stephanos) of righteousness (dikaiosune). Every faithful Christian will receive a badge that serves as a symbol of justification.

Both Christians and elders will receive rewards--figurative crowns. But oh what a reward for faithfully carrying out the office of the eldership awaits elders who have done well. May God bless our elders, and may they strive for that crown. Let's all labor here, so that we can all be rewarded there.