How pleasant it is, during these perilous times, to contemplate the rewards and peace The LORD has promised us in His Word.  Thus far in our study of the crowns we have covered:

1. THE CROWN OF LIFE
2. THE CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE
3. THE CROWN OF REJOICING

THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Not to be confused with the “righteousness of God,”  which the believer receives when he accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior.  When a person is born again of the Holy Spirit – he is “made the righteousness of God in Him.”  This is saving righteousness, and it is a gift of God,  which the lost accept by choice. 

2 Corinthians 5:21

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

The “crown of righteousness” is a reward, not a gift, to be earned only by the saved.  If the believer looks for, and loves the doctrine of the Second Coming – it will be evident in his whole life.  We have no finer example of this than Paul:

Paul fought a spiritual battle his entire Christian life – and won!  2 Tim. 4:7 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. . .

Paul never surrendered to the enemies of righteousness!  Eph.6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Paul had a set course to travel, and he maintained his course, never detouring around the rocky places, neither did he, at any point – LOOK BACK!  Luke 9: 61,62 –  ⁶¹ And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  ⁶² And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Paul traveled the entire length of the course set before him with his eyes fixed fully on CHRIST!  Phil.1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. . .

Paul never, in his entire walk, betrayed  a single one of the great doctrines – preaching the “whole counsel of God.”  Acts 20:24-31 –

²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

²⁵ And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

²⁶ Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

²⁷ For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

²⁸ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.

²⁹ For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

³⁰ Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

³¹ Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Paul’s vision was fixed so firmly on Christ – that he looked ahead  to the “Judgment Seat of Christ,” where believers who “love His appearing,” will receive the Crown of Righteousness. 

2 Timothy 4:8

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.

Do you see how important it is for you, as a believer, to focus your longing on The Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – and not on the antics of the son of perdition?  This crown may be awarded to any believer – who  intensely longs for and loves the Second Coming of Christ more than anything – more than this country, more than their freedom, more than their life.