For what is our hope or joy or victor’s wreath of boasting? Is it not even all of you before the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 1 Thessalonians 2:19
Initial salvation is only the beginning of the Christian life. In our obedience to God’s Word, we may earn victor’s wreaths as overcomers. These are not earned by our own self-effort nor for our own glory, because our boasting lies not in what we do, but in what our Lord accomplishes through us as we obey Him. One of these crowns is the Crown of Rejoicing, given to the one who proclaims the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This is not a call to stand on street corners; rather, true evangelism occurs when others observe our lifestyle and inquire about the hope within us. Thus, let us always be ready to give a defense for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).
These victor’s wreaths will be rewarded to us at the Bema seat when Christ returns to call His Church home and our works are purified—only the proper works will remain. The Bema seat is a place of judgment for work; hence where rewards is bestowed for out for outstanding accomplishments. With this in mind, let us build upon the foundation of Christ with works that are of value, attained only through living a life out from faith.