Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. There are various kinds of joy — 1. Maternal: such as was expressed by Eve at the birth of Cain, or Hannah at the birth of Samuel. 2. The mariner's: when, after a long and dreary absence, he again beholds his native land. 3. The warrior's: such as David experienced when the women went out to greet their youthful champion with their songs. 4. That of the emancipated: such as that of the slaves on that memorable morning when their liberty was proclaimed. 5. The nation's: at the coronation of a king. These are instances of legitimate joy; but what are these when compared with the "joy of salvation"? I. IN THE NATURE OF SALVATION ARE CONTAINED ALL THE ELEMENTS OF THE HIGHEST JOY. Suppose yourself to be a prisoner driven away to an inhospitable clime — as the Poles were — there to toil in gloomy mines; and suppose yourself suddenly restored to liberty and home. Suppose you were sick, nigh unto death, and a skilful hand should restore you. Or suppose yourself condemned to die as a criminal, and the royal clemency should send you a full and free pardon, when you had mounted the scaffold and were expecting death. Salvation is all this, and more (Isaiah 61:3) II. MANY MISTAKES HAVE BEEN MADE ON THIS SUBJECT. The joy we contend for arises out of a sense of pardon, peace, reconciliation with God. (Psalm 32:2; Isaiah 52:7, 9; Romans 8:1, 3.) This reconciliation is complete (Romans 8:33, 39), honourable and abiding; we therefore assert every Christian has reason for being joyful. To prevent mistake — note — 1. That we do not assert this joy to be perfect. Some imagine there can be no joy if it be not of the highest kind, without alloy or interruption. Persons entertaining such extravagant notions are sure to be disappointed. We are imperfect creatures in an enemy's country, and surrounded by temptations. Is it always midday? Is there no dawn, and no evening? Is it always midsummer? Is there no spring, and no autumn? And why, then, expect joy in perfection, or not at all? 2. We must not, therefore, be surprised if the Christian is sometimes depressed. 3. There is often more joy experienced than we are inclined to believe, and than others give us credit for. Suppose you were to be deprived of your Christian privileges, then you would value your present enjoyments. We only know the real value of our mercies when we have lost them. III. LET US VIEW THIS AS A MATTER OF FACT. 1. Christians might, and ought to be happy, for there is every provision and reason for it (James 1:5; Luke 11:13). Perhaps some Christian will reply, "I am not as happy as I expected, or as I was wont to be." Very possibly. But perhaps — 1. You have grieved, quenched, and so expelled the Holy Spirit. Business may have been encroaching more than is legitimate. (2) You have given way to a petulant and angry spirit. (3) You have been regarding religion as a privilege, and not as a duty. Idle Christians never can, and never ought to be happy. If, then, the Christian is not joyful in God, it is his own fault. There is guilt as well as folly in such a state of mind. 2. Now let us look at those who have illustrated the joy of salvation. See it exemplified — (1) In the conduct of Christians during the time of trial (Habakkuk 3:17; Acts 20:24; 2 Corinthians 7:4). Think of the apostles and martyrs. (2) In the peace which pervades the various holy communities of Christians (Isaiah 26:1, 4). (3) In the peace which has always been the result of real religious revivals. (4) But the fullest examples of it yet remain to be seen. This is clear from the prophecies. The golden age of the Church and the world is yet future. IV. Let us now inquire WHETHER SALVATION WILL WARRANT SUCH FEELINGS OF DELIGHT. 1. What is the object in which the Christian rejoices? Certainly not himself, his attainments, or his merits (Galatians 6:12). But — (1) In God the Father. (2) The Son. (3) The Holy Ghost. (4) In the prospect of eternal glory. 2. Do not these objects then justify us in cultivating the highest joy? At present, however, the Christian's joy is only in the bud, "it doth not yet appear what it shall be." 3. If you submit to this salvation, you will fill all heaven with joy; for "there is joy in heaven among the angels of God," etc. 4. Compare the Christian's with the worldling's joy (Proverbs 14:13; Ecclesiastes 2:2; Ecclesiastes 7:3, 6). (C. Dukes, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. |
    |