THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN by John Nevins Andrews

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1880

THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN.

By John Nevins Andrews

THERE is a crown of life for every one that overcomes. These crowns will be given at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4. They indicate the rank of the person who wears them. They imply a throne, also a kingdom, and a reign. These crowns will be more or less glorious according to the work which the wearer has wrought in the cause of Christ. Thus Paul spoke of those who should be his crown in the day of God; implying that the work which he had wrought in the vineyard of the Lord should be represented in the crown bestowed upon him. Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19. The saved are represented as jewels in the crown of the Redeemer. Mal. 3:17; Zech. 9:16. So also in the crowns of those who save others.

These crowns are being prepared. If we overcome, each of us will receive one. But if we fail in our effort, some other person will receive our crown. The unfaithful servant has his talent given to him who had made improvement. "Unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." Luke 19:26. Men who have done something in the cause of Christ, but have not faithfully persevered to the end, will see the reward that would have been theirs given to those who do remain faithful to the end. Nor is this at all unreasonable. When men turn from the cause of God, they bring distress, anguish of spirit, and heavy burdens, on those who stand steadfast in the work. This is all known to God. In the day of Judgment he will give their reward to those who have had this to bear. The man who has improved his talents, has done this in the face of the discouragements and hinderance caused by that servant who buried his talent in the earth. So, with the strictest justice, it is given to him. The ways of the Lord are just and right.

J. N. A.