A crown is the sign of royalty and of victory — the ancient athlete's wreath and the king's diadem. The Bible promises crowns to God's faithful people: a crown of life to those who endure, a crown of righteousness to those who love his appearing, an incorruptible crown that will not fade. These are rewards of grace, laid up for the persevering.
But the crown Jesus wore first was a crown of thorns, pressed on his head in mockery — the King of kings enthroned on a cross. He took the crown of our curse so that we might receive the crown of life. And Revelation pictures the redeemed casting their crowns before the throne, for every crown we receive is finally his. The way to the crown, in Scripture, always runs by way of the cross.
The Crown in Scripture
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.