Those who overcome are the victors, and the crown they receive is the stephanos, the victor's wreath awarded for triumph in the public games, not the diadema, the symbol of royal power and rulership. The diadema is worn by Satan, the Beast, and the returning Christ as King of kings, but the crown of life emphasizes victory, righteousness, and honor. The saints will still reign with Christ and receive power over the nations. Overcoming is a prime activity of the Christian life. Christ promises that he who overcomes will inherit all things and be His son (Revelation 21:7). The victor must overcome three things: Satan and his demons, this world and its ways, and his own fleshly, carnal nature. Christ taught that overcoming means not only avoiding sin but doing good, for Paul says to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). The one tested and proved (dokimos) is like metal cleansed of all alloy, of sterling worth, strong and pure spiritually (James 1:12). Paul likens the Christian to a runner who competes temperately for an imperishable crown (I Corinthians 9:24-25). At the end of his life he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, and he awaited the crown of righteousness to be given at Christ's return to all who love His appearing (II Timothy 4:7-8). The crown of life is eternal, imperishable living, the emblem of victory over a perishable life of sin, worn in the Millennium and forever. Believers run with endurance, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).