“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (v. 12). This crown is usually understood to be a reward we receive in heaven. But the context of James 1 suggests that this crown is not a reward in heaven but God’s smile of approval on us in history when we endure the trial victoriously and He takes us to the next level of spiritual maturity. We can see the crown of life being rewarded
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