Revelation 4:10 says the elders laid their crowns before the throne, what are these crowns and did they bring them into eternity? Is this something only reserved for elders?
Before getting to the specifics of this question, I think it is helpful to remember the rules of interpretation, particularly for the book of Revelation. This book is an “apocalypse” which is a peculiar kind of literature that we don’t use much today. One of its distinguishing marks is that it is full of fantastic imagery. (Take for example, the four living creatures that circle the throne in Rev. 4:6-8). Now these images are not to be taken in a literal sense, they are highly symbolic. Likewise, the 24 elders with crowns, though not as psychedelic as the creatures, are also symbolic.
First, note that they are elders sitting on thrones, which means they are intended to represent those in authority in God’s Church. And that there are 24 suggests that they represent all of God’s people, not just a portion of them. The reason is that 12 is the number of God’s chosen people in the Bible (12 tribes of Israel, 12 Disciples…) In this scene there are 2 sets of 12. This could mean that they are representing God’s people under the Old and New Covenant or it could mean that they represent both Jews and Gentiles. In either case, John clearly intends for them to represent all of God’s elect. Furthermore, John does not identify any of these men by name which gives us further reason to accept the symbolic nature of this scene.
Now, as to the crowns. The word translated crown is “stephanos” which could also be translated wreath, prize, reward or gift. That is, it was not so much a symbol of power and rule over a kingdom (like the diadem), but rather an outward sign of God’s pleasure for those who receive it. All believers will receive a crown in heaven, but this does not have to be a literal crown. It is simply a public declaration to the world that God has received us…that we have finished the race and been found faithful…that God is taking pleasure in what He has accomplished in and through us. Here are some other verses that speak of such a crown: 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Rev. 2:10.
Now, go back and read chapter 4 and notice what these elders do when they see the LORD seated on His throne. It says that they fall down on their faces and cast their crowns before Him. By getting off of their thrones and bowing before God, they are saying: “Yes, we have been entrusted with some authority, but ALL authority and power and dominion belongs to our God who sits on an eternal throne!” And when they take off their crowns, they are saying: “Yes, we have been found faithful and received some glory, but it was only God’s grace at work in us and therefore ALL glory and majesty and honor belong to God alone."
In other words, Heaven is not about us…it’s all about Him.