THE CROWN ETERNAL by J. O. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 21, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 28.

THE CROWN ETERNAL

By J. O. C.

Men Sacrifice Everything to Get the Crown of Earthly Kings — Only a Few Can Possess It — A Better Crown Awaits Every One Who Will Receive It

A CROWN is the symbol of authority and power. In possession of it one is honored and obeyed. In being dispossessed of a crown once worn, one descends in disgrace to a lower level of society. Such a case excites the pity of every humanitarian, because of the extreme change of circumstances attending the unfortunate loser.

Some Sovereigns Have Lost Their Crowns

Within the memory of many now living, some have met the sad reverses of losing their crowns, as in the cases of Hawaii’s queen and Portugal’s king. Indeed, an earthly crown ever rests uneasily upon the head of a monarch, because of the uncertainty of all earth affairs.

There is yet another consideration affecting these secular dignities. They are in the reach of none but the fleshly high born. Unquestioned royal blood must, from the first, flow in the veins of a possible candidate for such honor. Sometimes, even then, the aspirant must reach the throne through strife and bloodshed, to hold his tenure of office but a few days or years at most.

Sacrifices All for the Throne

But notwithstanding all the requirements and uncertainties attending these doubtful promotions, feverish human ambition often runs riot to secure the ascendency so fascinating to mortals. Wealth and loving friends are cheerfully sacrificed to meet the demands of the occasion, though the prospect of success is dimmed by apparent adverse probabilities. Against all these odds, hot desire quickens the exciting pace, even to the confines of despair, when the fading of the mischievous illusion leaves the one so misled to sink in the morass of the great beyond.

A Crown That Endures

So an earthly crown, at its best, is but corruptible — a fading bauble, a disappointing acquisition. There is, however, the possibility of obtaining a crown that is ceaselessly enduring, and also radiant with the light of God. In evidence of this the positive promise of the apostle may be cited, “When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4.

But while a certain rank or order of persons were thus addressed, the assurance is at hand that every person, of every race,

is actually in line to receive this promised reward, if he but hold himself in readiness to receive it when it is given out.

So also, another prominent apostle, when considering his impending alienation from earth scenes, declared himself ready for the transfer, believing that a crown of righteousness reserved in heaven for him, would be given at the proper time. He then adds, “And not to me only, but unto all them also that love His [the Lord’s] appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:8.

Called to the Throne of Omnipotence

But this gracious promise includes even more than outwardly appears in the quoted words. Considering the time of that fulfilment, the Saviour said: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh [that is, through My coming in to sup with him] will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Rev. 3:20, 21.

Looking for the victorious Saviour in the exalted position He here describes as His, He is found seated “on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” Heb. 8:1. When He comes again to earth to receive His saints to Himself, He will be seen on that same throne of glory, as He calls the righteous to His favor. Matt. 25:31, 32. From that time forth the redeemed are to be with Him where He is. John 14:3.

Thus the story is completely told. The redeemed are first to receive a crown of eternal life which shines with bright glory. Adorned with this mark of distinction, they sit with Christ in His throne, as He now sits with the Father in His throne, and share with the Redeemer His dominion of earth, which was won in behalf of man, who so disgracefully forfeited that honor, first bestowed on him in Eden. Gen. 1:26.

He Tasted Death for All

It was for this purpose that the plan of redemption was undertaken. Therefore as Christ tasted death for every lost being, so a crown was purchased for each of these, and is available for every one who will take the necessary steps to secure it. Hence this rich crown of life and power is within reach of all for whom the Saviour died. In view of this, and the nearness of Christ’s coming to bestow the great reward, He Himself exhorts all to hold fast that which they have; that they lose not their crown to another. Rev. 3:11.

How much better is this than to contend for an earthly diadem, so uncertain in its province, and so fugitive in its being! What a contrast between them in every way! Only one in a myriad can hope to reach the quickly vanishing earthly crown, and that only perhaps through the maintenance of armed retainers, while the eternal crown has been already purchased once for all, and for every one. Then best of all, this one, so freely bestowed, when once received, is a changeless possession, to be enjoyed through countless ages, amid the glory of heaven’s unfading brightness. Toward this beauty luster every eye should now turn, in hope of a speedy realizing of its infolding.

J. O. C.