Topical Bible: Happiness of Saints in This Life is Abundant and Satisfying

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of happiness for the saints, or believers, in this life is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. This happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound sense of joy and contentment that stems from a relationship with God and the fulfillment of His promises. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of this happiness, emphasizing its abundance and satisfying quality.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently speaks of the joy and blessedness that accompany a life lived in accordance with God's will. In Psalm 16:11, 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." This verse highlights the fullness of joy that comes from being in the presence of God, suggesting that true happiness is found in communion with Him.

Similarly, in John 15:11, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Here, the completeness of joy is linked to the teachings and presence of Christ, indicating that the happiness of the saints is both abundant and fulfilling.

Characteristics of This Happiness

1. Spiritual Fulfillment: The happiness of the saints is primarily spiritual, rooted in the assurance of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 states, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." This verse underscores that the joy of believers transcends physical circumstances and is anchored in spiritual realities.

2. Contentment in All Circumstances: The apostle Paul exemplifies this contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, where he writes, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." The happiness of the saints is not dependent on external conditions but is sustained by the strength and provision of Christ.

3. Abundant Life: Jesus promises an abundant life to His followers in John 10:10, saying, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This abundance is not merely material but encompasses a rich, satisfying life characterized by spiritual depth and purpose.

4. Peace and Assurance: The peace that accompanies the happiness of the saints is profound and surpasses human understanding. Philippians 4:7 assures believers, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace contributes to a deep-seated happiness that is resilient in the face of life's challenges.

Practical Expressions

The happiness of the saints manifests in various practical ways, including worship, service, and community. Worship is a natural response to the joy found in God, as seen in Psalm 100:2, "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs." Service to others, motivated by love and gratitude, further enhances this happiness, as believers find joy in fulfilling the command to love their neighbors (Galatians 5:13-14).

Moreover, the fellowship of believers provides a source of joy and encouragement. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early church, "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 aspect of faith contributes to the abundant and satisfying happiness experienced by the saints.

Conclusion

The happiness of the saints in this life is a profound and enduring joy that arises from a deep relationship with God, the assurance of His promises, and the fulfillment of His purposes. It is characterized by spiritual fulfillment, contentment, abundant life, and peace, and is expressed through worship, service, and community. This happiness is both abundant and satisfying, providing a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits believers in the life to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 36:8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of your house; and you shall make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the ...
... blessings we have received riches and happiness to the ... ourselves true members of
the Church and true saints. ... who show neither faith nor a godly life, it would ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighteenth sunday after trinity treasure.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... What have the saints and martyrs been in every era of ... is hardly a step in man's life,
from childhood ... in death, support under bereavement, happiness beyond the ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... They make the deformities of the saints to be their ... we cannot help showing our joy
in our ordinary life. ... text tells us that holy joy leads to family happiness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... 6). Hence the exulting confidence of the saints, "The Lord ... might have said the course
of life or time ... miseries, and the knowledge of it the highest happiness. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Letter cxviii. (AD 410. )
... for its fitful gusts, in reaching that earthly happiness of which I ... life, or any
part of a happy life, is better ... of joy which is promised to the saints in the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxviii a d 410.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... also to be inferred from hence, that saints should look ... more than if all the created
happiness of all ... The life, the glory, the blessedness, the soul-satisfying ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

The Puritan Innovations
... parts that he wished for no greater happiness than his ... At the Second Revision seven
Saints' Days were added, the ... men to die without the Food of eternal life. ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter ii the puritan innovations.htm

part ii
... is its eternal life, its eternal happiness, ensured by ... from the examples of all God's
saints, who for ... incorruptible heavenly crowns and eternal life with God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... thus acquired by the intellect, it cannot gain full happiness. ... well of water springing
up into everlasting life," [4] said ... How is it that the saints see us and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

The Doctrine
... this work on the two covenants was sent forth to chastise error, and comfort the
saints of God. It was published many times during the author's life; and since ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm