What are the crowns believers can receive?
Scripture speaks of several crowns believers can receive: the crown of life, the crown of glory that fadeth not away, the incorruptible crown, the crown of rejoicing, and the crown of righteousness.
The crown of life is promised to those who endure temptation and remain faithful even unto death. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." Revelation 2:10 confirms this, tying the crown of life to faithfulness under persecution and tribulation, even unto death.
There is also the crown of glory that fadeth not away, given when the chief Shepherd appears, as 1 Peter 5:4 declares. This crown stands in contrast to the corruptible crowns earned in worldly contests, for 1 Corinthians 9:25 explains that those who strive for mastery obtain a corruptible crown, but believers strive for one that is incorruptible, lasting forever.
Another is the crown of rejoicing, described in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which speaks of the joy of seeing the fruit of one's ministry, the souls won and nurtured, standing in the presence of the Lord Jesus at His coming.
Finally, there is the crown of righteousness, spoken of in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, given to those who have fought the good fight, finished their course, and kept the faith, and this crown is promised not only to Paul but to all who love the Lord's appearing.
Together these crowns are described as rewards for steadfastness in suffering, righteousness, and faithful ministry, given to believers who remain faithful to the end.
The scriptures
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
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.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
From the books
This answer is drawn from these passages in the Mary Banks Faith Library.