Bible Verse of the Day Friday May 28th 2021

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

To be blessed by God brings with it more than just a state of happiness, it means that the blessed one has become a privileged beneficiary of the favor of Almighty God. To be “blessed” is something that we cannot obtain or attain outside the realm of the power of God. It can’t be gained by any outside or worldly source; it is something that can only be provided through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. Those that are blessed by God are people that are in need of nothing, they do not look to the world because of the divine resources that dwells within their hearts, minds, bodies, spirits, and souls.

There are many debates as to what exactly the “Crown of Life” that the ones that “preserve under trial” will receive is. Some say that it is definitely and categorically not eternal life because we receive that at the heartbeat of our justification. First of all, the word “crown” as used in the New Testament comes from the Greek word “stéphanos” (Strong’s 4735), which would indicate a wreath (garland, honor, or glory) given to a victor in an ancient athletic game. True, eternal life is not something we can earn or receive as a reward, it comes through God’s grace and our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). This crown of life goes to those that love God and the life spoken of here is a combination of this life and eternal life (John 10:10). There will be rewards given to some at the “Judgment Seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10) for faithfulness to the calling God has given all of His Children (Acts 1:8). Any true, faithful follower and believer in Christ Jesus will never desire any honor or glory for themselves but want to give all the glory to God. This will not change in this life, or when we find ourselves standing at the Judgment seat of Christ.

We feel encouraged when we receive a good word from another brother or sister in Christ Jesus, however, there is no reward, in this life or life eternal, that can come except through the love, grace, mercy, and power of God, and that, categorically, is the “Crown of Life.”

 

If You would like the Verse of the Day sent to your daily E-Mail send a request in the "Comments" section. Please include your e-mail address