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James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Having introduced the three key themes of his epistle—trials, wisdom, poverty and riches (James 1:1–11)—the Apostle James returns to the subject of trials in today’s passage (v. 12). James earlier noted that we should have a joyful mindset about the difficulties we face because they produce steadfastness or perseverance (vv. 2–4). In 1:12, James focuses on the reward for this steadfastness, for our persevering in faith until the end.
In this verse, James says that those who remain steadfast, who endure the trials of life without falling away from Christ fully and finally, will “receive the crown of life.” Commentators note that this could be more accurately rendered as “the crown that is life.” In other words, James wants us to understand that the reward of persevering in faith is eternal life. But how can this be? Does this not suggest that we earn eternal life by responding appropriately to our trials?
The answer, of course, is no; James is simply recognizing that eternal life is both already and not yet. All those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone have already passed out of death into life (John 5:24). Eternal life is a gift of God’s grace alone that we receive by faith alone. There is a sense, however, that eternal life is not ours yet, for the fullness of eternal life is consummated in our bodily resurrection from the dead at the last day. This is why Paul can talk about his hope of attaining the resurrection even though he knew that the righteousness of Christ had secured that future event for him (Phil. 3:2–11). Resurrection is certain for all believers, but we get it at the end of the race of faith, not at the beginning.
The imagery of the “crown of life” helps us understand this. James is metaphorically comparing eternal, resurrected life to the laurel crown awarded to victors in ancient athletic competitions. As athletes must discipline themselves and stay on course to cross the finish line to receive the crown, we must persevere in faith through our trials to enjoy the resurrection. This crown that God gives is even better than the award for winning a footrace, for it does not fade away and comes to all those who trust in Jesus rather than just an elite few. Matthew Henry comments: “The tried Christian shall be a crowned one: and the crown he shall wear will be a crown of life. It will be life and bliss to him, and will last forever. We only bear the cross for a while, but we shall wear the crown to eternity.” Thus, we press on in faith, looking to our resurrection.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
James says that the crown of life comes to those who love God, and John Calvin writes on how this can help us persevere. Calvin comments, “The conquerors of all temptations are those who love God, and . . . we fail . . . when we are tried, for no other cause than because the love of the world prevails in us.” If we are to persevere, we must shun the love of the world and grow in our love for God.
For further study
- Daniel 12:1–2
- 2 Timothy 4:7–8
The bible in a year
- Genesis 23–24
- Matthew 9
- Genesis 25–29
- Matthew 10