Just as the races of the world have prices, so also does the heavenly race have prices. The first and foremost price is entering into the kingdom, that is, being saved at last (Matt. 19:29; 2Cor. 5:1-8; Jn. 14:1-3).

There are other prices in the form of various crowns – for service, right living, etc (1Cor. 3:12-15; 2Tim 2:5; 1Cor. 9:25; Phil. 4:1; 1Thess. 2:19; 2Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 5:4; Rev. 2:10; 3:11).

The question is, who among us is living and working, so as to enter heaven first, and also receive some crown?

NB: Consider those youths who won the golden crowns of the last Olympic games in Athens, their honour, reward and joy.