1. The Rapture– This is the next event in prophecy. This is Jesus Christ coming back for His Church that is, every saved believer. I Thessalonians 4:15-17 the catching away, I Corinthians 15:51-57, John 11:25-26.
2. The Judgment Seat of Christ– This is the time that a Christian will be judged by God. The Christian will either gain or lose rewards based on how he lived after salvation. I Corinthians 3:9-15; II Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10;. This is the time a Christian will receive his earned crowns as a reward. These crowns will be cast at the feet of Jesus Christ.
Five Crowns:
1. Incorruptible Crown– I Corinthians 9:24-27- This crown is given for keeping our body under subjection (self control). Not allowing it to do what it wants to do. To be temperate- having restraint and control.
2. Crown of Rejoicing – I Thessalonians 2:19-20- This crown is given for winning souls/witnessing. Philippians 4:1 “my joy and crown”. These were converts that Paul had led to Jesus Christ.
3. Crown of Righteousness– II Timothy 4:1-8- This crown is given for loving Christ’s appearing, “unto all them also that love his appearing.” These are people who are looking for Christ to return therefore are consumed with pleasing Him.
4. Crown of Life– James 1:12- This crown is given for loving the Lord and enduring temptation. For suffering until or through death. I Corinthians 10:13; Revelation 2:10 “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”. This is a person that suffers for Jesus Christ and is even martyred for Jesus Christ.
5. Crown of Glory– I Peter 5:1-4- This crown is given for faithful preachers who feed the flock of God the word of God, John 21:15-17. This is not exclusive; it can be given to a faithful Sunday school teacher or faithful parents who teach the Bible to their children. Ephesians 4:11-16 this is for everyone.
3. The Tribulation- Revelation 6:1 to 19:21; This is seven years of tribulation for those that are left behind that didn’t receive Jesus Christ during the Church Age- Daniel 9:27. This is split into tribulation and great tribulation, Matthew 24:9-21
4. The Second Coming of Christ– This time Jesus Christ comes all the way down to earth to reign and rule. Revelation 6:16
5. The Millennium– The Lord Jesus Christ sets his reign as King on this earth. Saints will reign with Christ Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:1-6.
6. Great White Throne Judgment– After the seven-year tribulation there is a judgment primarily for lost people and those that come out of the millennial raging of Christ. Revelation 20:11-15
7. New Heaven and New Earth– Revelation 21:1; Genesis 9:11-15; II Peter 3:10-12. The new heaven and new earth appear in II Peter 3:13 “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. We will live for ever with Jesus Christ face to face.
Anchor Baptist Church 