Treasures in Heaven
In-Depth Summary
The in-depth summary of each bible study differs from the small group bible study laid out before the leader and the students. The in-depth overview is designed to help the leader with comprehensive information, much more than what is in the text notes at the bottom of every bible page. The small group studies are intended to be interactive, provide a learning atmosphere for students, and have open discussions allowing for interpretations of what the gospels’ witnessed. An exhaustive search was completed on each verse to help the leader answer questions that may come up during the study.
DISCLAIMER: We are not stating that if you act, do, or complete the following requirements, you are guaranteed to receive any or all of these heavenly treasures. All we are doing is opening the discussion of what is written in the New Testament on treasures awarded in heaven. We have identified what we believe are the treasures in heaven and an interpretation of what scholars believe each treasure means.
Matthew and Luke record Jesus’s words that storing your treasures in heaven is better than on earth. However, neither provide examples of these treasures nor how they can have been stored in heaven. We will cover each verse in detail and all the heavenly treasures mentioned in the New Testament.
Luke 12:32: Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Jesus represents the shepherd. He commonly refers to himself as the shepherd in many parables and teachings. His disciples represent the “little flock” or sheep the shepherd oversees. Although many people listened to Him and loved Him, only a few really followed him and would continue His message as witnesses of His teachings. Before this lesson and passage, Jesus told the disciples “Not to worry” about the food you eat or clothes you wear. It is a natural transition when He tells them, “Do not fear.”
Telling them not to fear helps put them at ease. God will provide for them. It is pleasing to God to give them God’s gift, the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus contrasts two places where we can store our treasure: on earth or in heaven. Jesus contrasts two places where we can store our treasure: on earth or in heaven.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Jesus tells us not to store up things on earth where moths can destroy them or thieves can steal them. (1) In Jesus’ time, clothing that was stored was very susceptible and commonly eaten by moths. Read James 5:1-3. He tells us for a couple of reasons, one of the obvious; there is a greater risk of losing your treasure on earth than there is in heaven. Second, we cannot take any earthly treasure with us when we pass away. In these verses, Jesus does not state expressly what treasures to store in heaven, but conversely, he does say what not to store up on earth. In conclusion, it is much wiser to store our treasure in heaven. Jesus does not tell Christians they should never have money. (1 Timothy 5:8) Paul teaches that believers must provide for their families. It is necessary to have money or currency to exchange for goods and services to live and survive. We are responsible for the money God has provided us. Our responsibility is to administer by His blessing and use according to His purposes. The word rust was also commonly used as many metallic items will rust or “eat into.” (2) The other reason Jesus provides is theft. Anything of value to someone else can be stolen away from you.
What are things commonly stored up as treasures on earth? Examples: Clothing. Books. Newspapers. Food. Can-goods. Beauty products. Medicine. Money. Gold/Silver. Jewels. Weapons. Movies (DVDs). Music (CDs). Automobiles. Recreational toys. Land. Homes.
Treasure has different meanings for everyone. Some people value security, health, love and happiness, pleasure, rest, being around family and friends, and feeling needed or wanted. People measure treasure based on their own life experiences. It comes down to that individual’s choice of earthly treasure that once gave them comfort or happiness. They want to have it as a level of security because without it is the fear of emptiness. All of which can either be eaten by moths and vermin or stolen by thieves.
Matthew 6:20 and Luke 12:33b “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Store up treasures in heaven. Create provisions for your eternal life. Jesus clearly states to store up treasures in heaven where they will not be destroyed or taken by thieves. To do this, spend your time, effort, energy, and money on things that will help prepare you for eternity. In this passage, Jesus does not define what treasures are in heaven. He does, however, tell them what treasure is not in heaven. These are things that moths can eat, they can rust, or thieves can steal them.
Luke 12:33a: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” Giving alms to the poor was a common statement. The disciples would sell their property and give the proceeds to charity.
Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus helps us determine where and what our treasure is, has been, and will be. If our heart has been focused on earthly things that are vulnerable to decay and theft, then our time, energy, and money have been used to acquire earthly treasures. But if our heart has been focused on heavenly things that will not decay or steal, our time, energy, and money have been acquiring eternal treasures. Jesus will cover this more clearly in Matthew 6:24; serving God and money is impossible. One or the other will be stronger and assert the person’s, genuine heart.
References of Treasures in Heaven:
Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus speaks in parables describing the kingdom of heaven. The two examples here are two similar men who discover treasure in a field, sell all they have, then buy the area to take to purchase the field. The significance of this parable is the man who finds a treasure, values it to be of the highest value. All treasures are not equal. The man who finds a treasure hidden in the field equal to in his mind the level of the kingdom in heaven is so great he would at that moment sell or sacrifice everything he has built up in value over his lifetime to obtain it.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Eternal Life) Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, and they will carry this foundation into eternal life.
Matthew 10:40-42 (Righteousness) Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.
The Rich Young Man Parable: Matthew 19:16-29 (See also Mark 10:17-22, and Luke 18:18-23)
The rich young man parable is described by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The young man asks Jesus what good deed he must do to have eternal life. Jesus tells the man to keep the commandments. The man replies he has kept all the commandments he mentions. Jesus tells the man if he wants to be perfect, he sells all that you have, gives it to the poor, follows Him, and he will have treasure in heaven. The man left sorrowful, for he was a rich man.
Luke 12:16-21. (Parable of the Rich Fool)
Jesus stated that man is a fool for saving for retirement and not preparing for the Kingdom of God for eternity. This is different from what he was teaching. There is nothing wrong with saving up for retirement.
How should we work to achieve rewards and treasures in heaven? Read again Matthew 6:21. Read: Colossians 3:23-24
Where is your heart? The investment of your life, ambitions, time and energy is for what? It is some “thing,” a job position or wealth for most people. Or it is acquiring things such as a house, a car, or a family.
Money is the reflection of time. Jesus wants us to give him our time. Start investing your time into ministry or money into heaven. Wherever you are pouring out your most valuable commodity, you have “time”; that is where your heart is. You cannot get “time” back.
Moreover, time is not all equal. That is why God demanded the first of our fruits in the Old Testament. “When you come into the land which I give you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest.” —Leviticus 23:10. The best quality of “time” is the first fruits of your time. Now let us face it, not all of us are morning people.
If your best awake time throughout the day is in the morning, give that time to Him. If you are a night owl and your best time is in the evening, provide that time to Him. Also, when working 50, 60, or 70 hours a week for a job, we wear ourselves out at “THE JOB,” where our best resources go. To “THE JOB!” What Jesus is asking you to do here in Matthew 6:21, If we lay up our “time,” our most treasured possession, with “ME,” that is where your heart will also be.
The Day of Judgement
There are several verses throughout the New Testament where everyone will be judged and evaluated on their works. Several times it is mentioned their works will be tested by fire. It is to be purified to see if it will endure. Here are some verses: 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Treasures and Rewards in Heaven:
Jesus promises future rewards in heaven. These treasures consist of crowns, garments, and positions of authority.
(Reference the 1 page – Five Crowns in Heaven – for easy reading.
The Bible talks about the five crowns. They are, the crown of life, the crown of rejoicing, the imperishable crown, the crown of righteousness, and the crown of glory.
THE CROWN OF LIFE
James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10:
What is the Crown of Life?
Combining both scriptures will give a more comprehensive description of the crown of life. The crown of life is frequently referred to as eternal life. Crowns are awarded after the person has already entered the kingdom of God, not before. Bible scholars are divided about what James means in this scripture.
1. Some notes in bibles refer to the believer who endures trials, demonstrates love for Jesus, and will be rewarded with the crown of life.
2. It could mean everyone who has eternal life will receive the crown of life.
3. It could mean those who endure a temptation or multiple temptations will receive the crown of life.
4. When combining both scriptures, James states to endure temptation. Jesus states in Revelation to be faithful until death. This concludes that we are to endure temptation when tested and be faithful until the minute of our death.
It is more likely #4 not everyone who enters heaven will receive the crown of life.
Only those the Lord rewarded by enduring temptation, who love Him, were faithful until death. Not every soul will receive this crown. That is because they did not fulfill the requirements of enduring a temptation or were tested to endure or persecuted for Jesus Christ until their death. The young would need only a reasonable understanding of the task.
In Revelation, Jesus states after the devil throws some of them into prison, they are to be tested, remarkably like the enduring temptation in James’ verse. If the faithful are being tested in jail as a tribulation for ten days, this is a test of wills. Their faith is being tested to see if they can endure, even in the face of inevitable death. The strong will withstand and tolerate the allurement of the temptation. The weak will break and perhaps turn on one another, lie, and selfishly do anything in their effort to save their human lives.
The crown also refers to the wreath given to the winner of an athletic contest or the Olympic Games in Smyrna.
Some people are tempted by alcohol, drugs, lust, and power, but most are tempted by other things that take up an excessive about of time, such as sports, music, and media, and less about God.
Read the story about the farm workers: Matthew 20:1-16. No matter when becoming a Christian early in life, mid-way through life, or on a deathbed, everyone who perseveres to the end receives the same reward. Everyone could receive this crown. It is for everyone who strives to the end or for all those who are saved, also interpreted as given for faithfulness or in times of martyrdom.
What is mentioned in the Bible how we can achieve the Crown of Life?
There are some specific requirements:
(1) Need admission into the Kingdom of God. We must be saved through Jesus.
(2) We must love the Lord.
(3) The person must endure a temptation, or their faith must be tested or persecution.
(4) They must persevere and endure trials and temptations until death.
#4 is essential. Let us say someone has a walk with the Lord throughout most of their life. They believe in their heart and have a relationship with the Lord. Then towards the end of their life, their obedience decreases in their belief in God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. This person did not endure until their death.
THE CROWN OF REJOICING
1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1:
What is the Crown of Rejoicing?
In Thessalonians, Paul looked past the current trials. He also looked forward to returning to the Thessalonian Christians who came to the Lord through him. The Thessalonians would be Paul’s witness that his work through Jesus was genuine and authentic. The Thessalonians would be a witness of Paul’s evangelism. Paul would be filled with joy. He looked forward to the pleasure of being in Jesus’ presence—an honor for Paul to wear the Crown of Rejoicing.
The Philippians are Paul’s crown of joy. As Paul writes to the Church of Philippi, he reminds them he loves them and longs to see and be with them again someday. He rejoices they had been converted under his ministry. The crown was a prize to the victors in the public games in Smyrna.
The Crown of Rejoicing is commonly referenced for people who engage in evangelism outside the Christian Church.
What is mentioned in the Bible how can we achieve the Crown of Rejoicing?
Paul referred to the Thessalonians’ converting to Christianity as directly an effort from his discipleship.
There are two types of Christians. Believers (Converts) and Disciples.
1. Read Acts 11:25-26. Christian, the Greek word “Christos,” means the anointed one. And a Latin ending “to belong to” This would make Christians “the anointed one’s servants.”
2. Disciples simply mean the learner who sits at the feet of someone else. The twelve Apostles were disciples of Jesus. Officially those learners would sit at the feet of the Rabbi.
3. Tricky question: Does the concept of discipleship equal Christianity? If you are not a disciple, then are you a Christian? (This could be for a study by itself)
a. Sometimes disciples refer to one of the twelve disciples. Instructions to the disciples: Matt 10:1
b. Sometimes disciples refer to those are not genuine disciples. John 6:66.
c. Sometimes disciples can be used as true disciples John 8:31
d. Sometimes disciples could equal Christians. Luke 14:26-33. Especially (26), Jesus states true disciples must love Him more than others. All must be forsaken.
4. In any case, to achieve the Crown of Rejoicing, one must be a disciple.
a. Jesus will decide who is worthy to wear this crown.
b. Everything we do will be judged. 1 Corinthians 3:14-15.
5. Two types of people help bring people to the Lord.
a. Disciples: Some are gifted evangelists bringing people to Christ.
b. Believers (Converts) some nurture those along the way.
c. Whether we are early adopters or mature believers who have fallen away, we will see everyone’s life we have touched along the way.
THE IMPERISHABLE CROWN
Paul is writing this to Corinth using the competitive Isthmian games as a metaphor for the life of serving Jesus Christ. Corinth was a highly competitive society. They hosted events every other year. The victor was crowned with a pine wreath placed on the head of the winner. In Greece, there were four types of games athletes would complete the Pythian, the Isthmian, the Nemean, and the Olympic.
The apostle Paul refers to running and boxing. In Corinth, athletes would compete in the Isthmian games leaping, running, throwing the discus, boxing, wrestling, and darting. In doing so, every candidate would take an oath and train their body for ten months.
1 Corinthians 9:24: Paul provides the example of running in this verse. Everyone in the race runs to compete for a single prize.
He expressly states to run after the prize in such a way that you will be able to obtain it. The athlete would have to train vigorously to compete competitively, allowing them to receive the prize. To win, we would have to prepare against athletes of the same caliber, require ten months, live on a strict diet, and endure heat and cold.
1 Corinthians 9:25: All the athletes know the rules to compete for a perishable crown.
They all know there can only be one winner. Being temperate means exercising great control and being abstinent over all things that would stimulate, excite or divert their training. But Paul states we need to do this to obtain an imperishable crown.
What is the perishable crown?
The perishable crown was made of garland from pine tree branches, leaves, ivy, and sometimes dried parsley. Paul’s example of the wreath is a perishable crown. The celebration of winning the race is short-lived.
1 Corinthians 9:26: Paul states here when he competes, he runs. Paul shifts his metaphor to focus on himself and how he trains to run. He runs not with uncertainty. His objective, the crown, is clear. Paul runs with certainty that he will obtain the crown. Paul then changes the illustration from running to boxing. Then Paul states he fights, but not as someone beating the air with their fists. It looks like someone is beating or swinging punches in the air. Sometimes boxers use shadow boxing, throwing punches, ducking, and blocking against an imaginary opponent. The boxer must find out if they are effectively landing any real blows or blocking. But Paul is stating he does not do this. He says he fights. Which means he is hitting the other opponent.
1 Corinthians 9:27: Paul states he disciplines his body; however, it is better translated as “to strike under the eye,” making the flesh black and blue.
This is not for self-mutilation but to train himself and toughen himself. In the following term, he brings his body into subjection. A better term would be to reduce to servitude or follow like a slave. Paul states he knows how to make his body follow his spirit like a slave. The soul is in charge of the body. Not the body is in charge of the soul. If Paul cannot believe when he preaches to others, then he is disqualified for this crown. Paul did not want to disqualify himself from achieving the Imperishable crown by spiritually cutting corners or not finishing the race. He wants to run and finish the whole race.
The metaphor here is to run in a spiritual race in such a way as to persevere in the heavenly course. As all runners display, the earthly race just described the path to obtaining this crown: to persevere and train oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
What is an Imperishable Crown?
An imperishable crown is a crown that never diminishes or decays like a perishable crown. It is a crown that will never die.
What is mentioned in the Bible? How can we achieve an Imperishable Crown? These are the only four verses in the Bible that talk about the Imperishable crown.
There is no list of items to check off to obtain an Imperishable Crown. However, we can learn from how Paul uses the Isthmus games in Corinth as a metaphor for how athletes strive, train, and achieve a perishable crown. To achieve an imperishable crown is to demonstrate the same dedication athletes exhibit in training to compete for the perishable crown. Paul describes how he trains spiritually in the following two verses.
To obtain this crown, the person would need to persevere and train oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Although 2 Timothy 4:8 is the verse about the crown of righteousness, the two previous verses explain why he is receiving this crown.
2 Timothy 4:6: Paul was in Rome in prison at the time, awaiting to hear his final summons before Nero before his death. Paul is stating he is now ready to be offered to the Lord. He knows his death from this life is imminent. Paul refers to himself as the drink offering for the gospel's sake. The offering was used in the Old Testament (Genesis 35:14, Exodus 29:40-41, Numbers 15:5-10).
2 Timothy 4:7: Paul reflects on his 30 years of service as an apostle. Paul had the tenacity, endurance, and perseverance to endure the years of service by keeping the faith in Jesus. Fighting the good fight is courageous, brave, and heroic. Being steadfast, even in the face of his death at the end, is remarkable. Stating that he finished the race is similar to the Imperishable crown’s requirements (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Finally, the most important is he kept the faith. To be so unwavering in maintaining his faith in Jesus, up to and including the moment before he dies, demonstrates a very intense conviction in Jesus’ gospel message.
2 Timothy 4:8: This is the only verse in the Bible that mentions the crown of righteousness. The crown is laid up, which means it is kept safely. This is given to those servants who are serving.
The servant does not want to be found not doing something he would not want his master to see him doing. Or, if you want to read this the other way, the servant is pleased his master finds him doing something that he, the master himself, would be doing. The servant does this because they love their master.
The day Paul talks about 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 each one’s work will become evident; on that day, it will be clear because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work. “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he will be saved, yet so as through fire.” Paul also states that all those who have loved his appearing will receive this crown. This is all those who desire His second coming—also interpreted as being ready to meet Christ upon his return.
What is the Crown of Righteousness?
The person awarded the Crown of Righteousness must possess the qualities of a righteous person. In the context of 2 Timothy 4:6-8: Paul refers to his life ending.
He kept the faith of Jesus Christ by fighting a good fight. Finally, his reward, the Crown of Righteousness, is laid before him in heaven.
Who is a righteous person, or what are the qualities of a righteous person? A righteous person is righteous ethically, law-abiding, honorable, and pure. They are known to have these traits all the time, not just at home or in public places.
They would maintain these characteristics wherever they go.
What is mentioned in the Bible, how can we achieve the Crown of Righteousness?
Paul states three things must be achieved to receive the crown of righteousness.
1. Fight the good fight. The fight is against sin, the flesh, and sometimes the world. A Christian life almost always has a conflict with the world. However, this is a fight worth fighting for.
2. Finish the race. The race is a test of endurance. Finishing to the finish line is not for the weak in spirit. Just as an athlete must condition himself for the long race, Christians need to improve and strengthen their spiritual faith if they wish to persevere to the end of their life.
3. Keep the faith. Keeping faith means holding steadfast by believing in Jesus and his teaching gospel.
The challenge is not to allow doubt, ambiguity, or disbelief to enter the heart. This will keep the faith pure against all who oppose it.
Paul also states that those who loved Jesus’ appearing at the Second Coming will be rewarded the Crown of Righteousness. Paul also mentions that all those who have loved his appearance will receive this crown.
THE CROWN OF GLORY
1 Peter 5:1: The letter (1 Peter) Peter writes to the Christian elders in the churches in Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. The elders were commonly referred to as “one who is old.” Older men were typically appointed as officers in the church. Peter uses the word “exhort” after “elders who are among you.” He does this not to claim power or command over all the elders of the churches but to partake of the glory that will be revealed. At the beginning of his letter, he identified himself as an apostle. He chooses now to identify himself as a fellow elder. He has profound humility and addresses them as being on the same level as them and does not put himself at a level of authority over them. Peter states he was a witness to the sufferings of Christ. He would have indeed been a witness to Jesus’ trial, scourge, and crucifixion. This confirms what Luke writes in Luke 23:49, that Peter was among Jesus at the time of the crucifixion, “all his acquaintances.” Peter would have many emotions and attachments to Jesus at this time. He recently denied him, feeling guilt and shame.
Then the pain of watching him scourged and crucified. Peter finally states he will also partake in the same glory they are to receive.
1 Peter 5:2: In the following three verses, Peter tells the elders how they are to shepherd the flock of God. The elder does not own the flock. The flock belongs to God. The elder is the overseer of the flock. Depending on the bible version, sometimes it states, “Feed the flock.” This does help illustrate the elder’s responsibility.
The flock will only be as strong as the leader of the flock. The more God’s Word feeds the flock, the more enriched they will be as Christians.
The opposite is also true. The elder is not to be compelled or pressured, or forced to take on this responsibility or feel that this is an imposition. To be successful, the elder does this because it pleases them, and they are joyful, cheerful, and eager each day to lead the flock. Since this is such a great responsibility, they also must be mindful not to be tempted by financial gain or a corrupt agenda.
1 Peter 5:3: In this verse, Peter stresses their essential responsibility. The elders are not lording the Lord’s word over them. To not act as rulers, dictators, tyrants, kings, or monarchs. The responsibility of communicating God’s word can go to a person’s head feeling powerful. Which ultimately leads to destruction. Peter provides excellent advice, and that is to lead by example. The flock is more willing and trusting and more likely to follow when they see the shepherd of the flock show them how to obey God’s laws, rules, and teachings.
1 Peter 5:4: The Chief Shepherd is Jesus. The crown of glory. This verse is the result of the actions taken by the elders. Their reward is two-fold. The Chief Shepherd, Jesus, will present the crown of glory to the elder who fulfilled the duties of being the shepherd of the flock of God. (1) Jesus himself appears before you. (2) Jesus presents the crown of glory. The crown that does not fade away is like the imperishable crown. However, all five crowns do not fade away. As stated in 1 Peter 1:4, things in heaven can never perish, spoil, or fade.
What is the Crown of Glory? The Crown of Glory is a particular crown dedicated to those (not just elders) who are shepherding, pastoring, and getting involved with believers. The most challenging duty of the shepherd, described in 1 Peter 5:3, is to be an example for the flock.
What is mentioned in the Bible? How can we achieve the Crown of Glory?
For shepherding, pastoring, and getting involved with believers, the most challenging task of the shepherd is to be an example to the flock. We were also interrupted being given for being faithful in spiritual authority and leadership.
CROWNS AT RISK
Revelation 3:11: This is written to the Philadelphian Church. This was the only church of the seven, Jesus did not find any faults. Jesus is making it clear to them that even though they are free from censure, they are still at risk of losing their own’s crown. It is not specified which crown is at stake; it should be implied that any of the five crowns would be at risk. There are three parts to this verse.
1. John writes that Jesus states he is coming soon. Christ’s return will be sudden; at this point, you cannot develop new skills to obtain your crown.
2. Holding fast to what one has, that is, whatever one has accomplished to obtain or possess to achieve one’s crown, stand firm on what you have.
3. Be on constant guard, for the world of temptation has many sins who will try and rob and steal your crown.
Revelation 3:5: Jesus proclaims three promises to the church of Sardis, who overcome the world.
It is mentioned several times in the New Testament that those that overcome the world and believe in Jesus and publicly confess before men, Jesus will also confess their name before the Father, which is in heaven. The three promises are:
1. They will each be clothed in white garments. White is the color of innocence, purity, and righteousness. These are not ordinary white garments. The whiteness will have a brilliant glow emitting a dazzling brightness. Matthew 13:43.
2. Jesus will not blot out the believer’s name in the book of life. This book contains all the names who will live with God/Jesus forever. The statement “I will not blot out” means, in Greek, “I will not by any means” blot out of the book. Only the one who keeps the book has access to it.
3. Jesus will confess the believer’s name and give his approval before His Father and the angels. On that day of judgment, Jesus will give His seal of approval to God and the angels, wiping away all their sins for entrance into heaven.
Revelation 3:18: To provide better context, you may want to read Revelation 3:16-22, the complete section of the “lukewarm church.” Jesus sees the church of Laodicean for who they are and responds to them. Jesus was repulsed because the church took a position of being “lukewarm” and not hot nor cold. The church was financially wealthy but spiritually bankrupt. They provided half-hearted efforts of Christianity to be self-satisfied. The church’s position is they were rich and needed nothing. But in Jesus’ eyes, they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked because they were lukewarm. Since the church’s ways were diluted, Jesus gave them three solutions to salvation.
Jesus’ gold is refined in the fire. If it's the riches they seek, buy the gold from Him. By finding Jesus, they will have all the riches they want or need.
Obtaining the white garments of salvation as their clothing. This is in response to Revelation 3:17, stating they were naked. The white purity of such garments will protect them from the shame of being naked.
The eye salve is also a response to them being blind. An ointment to clear their eyes so they can see what they have become. This will also help them see God's character clearly and give them the proper perspective on how to lead as a church.
Many refer to this section in Revelation as “The Wedding” or “The Wedding Supper for the lamb.” Revelation 19:1-10 is referred to as a song. All of heaven will rejoice this time and event and give all the glory to God. The lamb, also known as the Lamb of God, or Jesus, will finally consummate and complete the union marriage with his church. The church is commonly referred to as “her” or “she” in the Bible. This marriage between Jesus and the Church was predicted in several locations in the Bible. Here are a few: Isaiah 54:4-6, Isaiah 62:4-5, 2 Corinthians 11:2, and Ephesians 5:23-33. Notice John states, “His wife has made herself ready.”
Which implies several things:
1. The church previously was not ready for marriage with Jesus.
2. The church made herself ready. This implies she took the necessary changes within the church to be recognized as the beautiful bride to Jesus. Other scholars see this church transition as part of the transformation from the earth church (bride) to the holy church (bride). In either case, the church has been purified from all sin, imperfections, corruption, doctrine, worship, and practice.
3. The church, at this point, is fully ready for the marriage. Verse 8: (which is not part of a song) is all about the garments for the bride or church. The bride is to be dressed in a pure white robe. The inner linen lining of the robe is to be dazzlingly bright white. Some scholars interpret where John states the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints; this is symbolic of the good works of this believer. It should be noted that it is not by their righteousness they have obtained this linen; The linen is graciously bestowed to them by the Lord, and their righteousness was received by faith, granting them the gift of the linen.
Revelation 4:10-11: This is in response to the four living creatures’ admiration of the Lord. The twenty-four elders representing the church in heaven fall down before the Lord. The Bible here does not identify who the twenty-four elders are. Where does the bible provide greater insight who some of the elders will be? Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30. So if these twelve apostles sit on the thrones in heaven overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel, who will sit on the remaining twelve thrones?
They were previously standing or most likely sitting on their thrones. Their gold crowns were given to them by the Lord. To fall down is to demonstrate reverence and adoration to God. The additional demonstration of casting their crowns before the Lord on the throne is paying homage and acknowledgment that their merit for obtaining their crowns was not their own but was achieved because of Him.
Matthew 25:20-23 Treasures in heaven for good & faithful servants.
There are four critical parts to this lesson, including Jesus’ response.
Both servants return to their lord joyfully with the talents they were trusted, plus a 100% return on their investments. The first servant was given five talents and returned with ten. The second servant was given two talents and returned with four. Christ does not want his servants to be idle.
1. They are entrusted to do their lord’s work and responsible for making wise choices. These servants took ownership of their gifts and returned with a profit.
2. There are three breathtaking things Jesus states in verse 21. First, Jesus states, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (1) What an honor it would be to hear by the hand of God that the work you had completed was well done. (2) Then, to be told, you will have been granted authority to rule over many things by Jesus. (3) To be welcomed into the joy of your lord. It could also mean the servants are welcome to have a closer connection with the master. Some have interrupted this to enter into the kingdom of heaven and be promoted to great honors in heaven.
Revelation 3:21: This one may or may not be a position of authority, but it is a distinguished honor.
The entire section is from Revelation 3:14-22. Jesus is addressing the Church of Laodicea. This was one of the seven churches John wrote about. The city was very wealthy, and the church lacked the leadership and commitment to have a Christian character. Jesus referred to the Laodicea church as being lukewarm. There are two thrones mentioned here. (1) God’s throne and (2) Jesus’ throne. Jesus says he also overcame and sat with his father on His throne with Him. About 100 scriptures are referring to the other thrones in heaven. This is the only reference to someone (Jesus) other than God sitting on God’s throne. About Jesus’ throne, to grant someone to sit on Jesus’ throne with Him is a distinguished honor. It even goes beyond what was promised to the 12 apostles. Read Matthew 19:28. Nevertheless, for those from the Laodicea church who overcome, Jesus will grant them a remarkable gift to sit with Him on His throne.
Revelation 1:6 and 5:10:
Revelation 1:6: In context, John is beginning his writing to the seven churches in Asia. He is a preface; Jesus washed our sins in His blood. John then states Jesus has made us kings and priests to His God and father. It is likely that some will be a king or a priest. God/Jesus would naturally want a sense of order in His kingdom and on the New Earth. The scholars are divided amongst the interpretation of the king. Some say we will be our king and govern ourselves by the law of His word. Others say Christians will be exalted to the rank and dignity of such an office as to have the responsibility to rule over many as in the parable of good and faithful servants: Matthew 25:20-23. God said to Moses in Exodus 19:6 the people of Israel will be a kingdom of priests. In Greek, the emphasis falls more on the “kingdom than the priests.” Whereas in English, the verse reads equally between the king and priest. This is not to diminish the importance of the nation of Israel to being bestowed the honor of the priesthood.
Revelation 5:10: In context, the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus and sang a new song to Jesus.
They sing the song to Jesus that, out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, have made us kings and priests to our God. Since the twenty-four elders on the throne were singing the song, it would imply they would represent the kings and priests who would reign on the earth. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus is talking to the twelve apostles stating those who have followed Him will sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. That leaves the other twelve thrones out of the twenty-four to be decided.
Kings have the responsibility of leading. It also implies that some will be granted authority over others. Surprisingly, this is not commonly discussed when searching for the twenty-four elders in Revelation.