Crown of Righteousness

          "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my
     departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I
     have kept the faith."
          "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the
     Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me
     but also to all who have loved his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:6-8
         
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          Paul knew death was coming soon, and he was reflecting back on his life
     of faithfulness to God and His word.

          A drink offering was part of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament,
     and he used it as a metaphor, as his life was being poured out as a final sacri-
     fice to God.

           His "departure" was his death which was almost upon him.

          Since he had been faithful to God and persevered, through His strength, to
     the end, he was preparing for the reward he was about to receive from the Lord.
    

          The "crown of righteousness" represents the eternal righteousness he will
     have as a prize given to him by God, for his faithfulness to Him.

         
          All believers receive the imputed righteousness of Jesus (justification)
     at salvation, along with sanctification (being set apart for God).

          The Bible also tells of the believer's glorification, which is a future gift that
     is finalized when he dies and enters heaven and into the presence of God, ob-
     taining a glorified body.

          All believers look forward to the day when Christ appears at His second
     coming to judge and set up His kingdom.  That day gives Christians reason to
     remain faithful to Him until they die or Jesus returns.