Topical Bible: Joy: Prepared for Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, joy is often understood as a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in the spiritual realities of God's promises and presence. This joy is distinct from mere happiness, which can be fleeting and dependent on external circumstances. For the saints, or those who are set apart for God, joy is a divine gift that is both a present reality and a future promise.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently speaks of joy as a hallmark of the Christian life. In the Old Testament, joy is often associated with God's deliverance and the celebration of His mighty acts. For instance, the psalmist declares, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand" (Psalm 16:11). This verse highlights the connection between joy and the presence of God, suggesting that true joy is found in communion with Him.

In the New Testament, joy is a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" . This indicates that joy is a natural outcome of a life lived in the Spirit, reflecting the transformative work of God within the believer.

Joy in Trials

The New Testament also presents joy as something that can coexist with trials and suffering. James 1:2-3 exhorts believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . This perspective suggests that joy is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate choice to trust in God's purposes and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances.

Eternal Joy

For the saints, joy is not only a present experience but also a future hope. The anticipation of eternal life with God is a source of profound joy. In Revelation 21:4, the promise of a new heaven and a new earth is described: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This vision of the future underscores the ultimate fulfillment of joy in the presence of God, where all sorrow and suffering are eradicated.

Joy in Worship and Community

Joy is also expressed in the context of worship and community. The early church is depicted as a joyful community, as seen in Acts 2:46-47: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" . This communal joy is a reflection of the unity and love that characterize the body of Christ.

Conclusion

While joy is a present reality for believers, it is also a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits them in the presence of God. This joy, prepared for the saints, is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope of glory that sustains the faithful through all of life's challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 97:11
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... the saints' joy shall be greater than the damned's torment; for their torment is
the torment of creatures, prepared for the devil and his angels; but our joy ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm

On all the Saints.
... On All the Saints. ... nature of man with great laughter, and he has had his joy over
the ... while the wailing is eternal; and his great laughter has prepared for him ...
/.../dubious or spurious writings of gregory thaumaturgus/on all the saints.htm

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... 4. The last preparative for the saints' rest is their ... ye blessed of my Father, inherit
the kingdom prepared for you ... world." Every word is full of life and joy. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

The Pilgrim' Song.
... And we shall weep no more. LORD pardon our complaints,. We follow at thy call; The
joy, prepared for suff'ring saints,. Will make amends for all. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 42 the pilgrim song.htm

Now Let the Earth with Joy Resound
... SAINTS, Feasts of Apostles ... 1. Now let the earth with joy resound; And Heav'n the
chant re ... shall descend, May we be called these joys to see Prepared from all ...
/.../various/the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 110 now let the.htm

Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ...
... yield them to the prayers of His saints, who will ... cursed, into the eternal fire,
which is prepared for the ... in tears that it might afterwards be reaped in joy. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 against those who fancy.htm

Saints and Faithful
... The saints are saints because they are first of all faithful ... bind us to God, which
make it a joy to do ... Christ for whom the way has been being prepared from the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

All Saints' Day
... The joy is so great that no one in this world ... now and for ever, like that of the
poor Saints. ... gone by the Friends of God were martyred, prepared (tortured) and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this ... indeed, but should swiftly
pass from tears to joy. ... forgotten by two kinds of men"saints who have ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... I. WHEREUNTO THE SAINTS HAVE ATTAINED ... the fulness of bliss and perfection "which
God hath prepared for them ... of Jerusalem, it is said they shouted for joy at the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm