Topical Encyclopedia The concept of joy in the Christian faith is deeply intertwined with the anticipation of Christ's return. This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound and enduring state of being that is promised to the saints—those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures provide a rich tapestry of references that highlight the exceeding joy that will accompany the second coming of Christ.Biblical Foundation The anticipation of Christ's return is a central theme in the New Testament, and it is often associated with the joy that believers will experience. In 1 Peter 1:8, the apostle Peter writes, "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy." This passage underscores the present joy that believers experience through faith, which will be magnified upon Christ's return. The Joy of Fulfillment The coming of Christ will bring the fulfillment of God's promises, a source of immense joy for the saints. In Revelation 21:3-4, the apostle John describes a vision of the new heaven and new earth: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 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.'" The joy of this fulfillment is rooted in the complete restoration and renewal of creation, where the presence of God is fully realized among His people. The Joy of Victory The return of Christ is also depicted as a time of victory over sin and death, which is a cause for great rejoicing among the saints. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul declares, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" This victory is not only a future hope but also a present reality that fills believers with joy as they await its full manifestation. The Joy of Reunion The coming of Christ will also be a time of reunion, both with the Lord and with fellow believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul provides comfort to the Thessalonian church with the promise of this reunion: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." The joy of this reunion is a powerful source of hope and encouragement for the saints as they persevere in their faith. The Joy of Eternal Life Finally, the coming of Christ will usher in the joy of eternal life, a life that is free from the limitations and sufferings of the present world. In John 14:2-3, Jesus Himself promises, "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also." This promise of eternal life with Christ is the ultimate source of joy for believers, as it assures them of an everlasting communion with their Savior. In summary, the coming of Christ is a profound source of exceeding joy for the saints, as it encompasses the fulfillment of God's promises, victory over sin and death, reunion with the Lord and fellow believers, and the gift of eternal life. This joy is both a present reality and a future hope, deeply rooted in the faithfulness of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Christ the Believer's Husband Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ... Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ... Beauty for Ashes Salvation to the Uttermost Christ the Conqueror of Satan The Earlier New Testament Writings. The Feast of the Lord Of the Last Resurrection. Resources How can I find joy in the midst of trials? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference between joy and happiness? | GotQuestions.org How can I experience joy in my Christian life? | GotQuestions.org Joy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Joy is Strengthening to Saints Joy of Angels, when Jesus Was Born Joy of Angels, when Sinners Repent Joy of Barnabas, when he Saw the Success of the Gospel at Antioch (In Syria) Joy of David, Over the offerings of the Princes and People for the House of God Joy of Deborah and the Israelites, when Sisera Was Overthrown Joy of Early Christians, when They Believed in Jesus Joy of Elisabeth, when Mary Visited Her Joy of Hannah, when Samuel Was Born Joy of Jephthah's Daughter, when he Returned from his Victory Over the Ammonites Joy of Mary, when She Visited Elisabeth Joy of Moses and the Israelites, when Pharaoh and his Army Were Destroyed Joy of Naomi, when Boaz Showed Kindness to Ruth Joy of Paul and Silas, in the Jail at Philippi Joy of Paul and the Corinthians, Because the Excommunicated Member Repented Joy of Paul and Titus, Because of the Hospitality of the Corinthians Joy of Paul, Rejoicing Over his Converts Joy of Paul, when he Prayed for the Philippian Christians Joy of Paul, when he Went up to Jerusalem Joy of Rhoda, when She Heard Peter at the Gate Joy of Saints Is for Deliverance from Bondage Joy of Saints Is for Divine Protection Joy of Saints Is for Divine Support Joy of Saints Is for Manifestation of Goodness Joy of Saints Is for Salvation Joy of Saints Is for Supplies of Grace Joy of Saints Is for Temporal Blessings Joy of Saints Is for the Hope of Glory Joy of Saints Is for the Success of the Gospel Joy of Saints Is for the Victory of Christ Joy of Saints Is in the Holy Spirit Joy of Saints should be Abundant Joy of Saints should be Animated Joy of Saints should be Constant Joy of Saints should be Exceeding Joy of Saints should be Expressed in Hymns Joy of Saints should be for Evermore Joy of Saints should be Full of Glory Joy of Saints should be in Hope Joy of Saints should be in Sorrow Joy of Saints should be Under Calamities Joy of Saints should be Under Persecutions Joy of Saints should be Under Trials Joy of Saints should be Unspeakable Joy of Saints should Be with Awe Joy of Saints, Made Full by Abiding in Christ Joy of Saints, Made Full by Answers to Prayer Joy of Saints, Made Full by Communion of Saints Joy of Saints, Made Full by Faith in Christ Joy of Saints, Made Full by The Favour of God Joy of Saints, Made Full by The Word of Christ Joy of Simeon, when Jesus Was Presented in the Temple Joy of the Disciples in the Temple After the Ascension of Jesus Joy of the Disciples in the Temple Because They had Received the Gift of the Holy Spirit Joy of the Disciples, Because the Demons Were Subject to Them Joy of the Disciples, when Jesus Triumphantly Entered Jerusalem Joy of the Father, when his Prodigal Son Returned Joy of the Immobile Man Who Was Healed by Peter Joy of the Jews, After Hearing, Anew, the Word of God Joy of the Macedonian Christians, when They Made a Contribution for the Christians at Jerusalem Joy of the Shepherds, when They Saw the Infant Jesus Joy of the Wicked is Derived from Earthly Pleasures Joy of the Wicked is Derived from Folly Joy of the Wicked is Short-Lived Joy of the Wicked: Shall be Taken Away Joy of the Wicked: should be Turned Into Mourning Joy of the Women Who Returned from the Lord's Sepulcher Joy of Thessalonians, when They Believed Paul's Gospel Joy of Zecharias, when John the Baptist Was Born Joy: Afflictions of Saints Succeeded By Joy: Experienced by Parents of Good Children Joy: Experienced by Peace-Makers Joy: Experienced by The Wise, and Discreet Joy: Fulness of, in God's Presence Joy: Jews, Over the Hanging of Haman Joy: Liberality in God's Service should Cause Joy: Ministers should Come to Their People With Joy: Ministers should Desire to Render an Account With Joy: Ministers should Esteem Their People As Their Joy: Ministers should Finish Their Course With Joy: Ministers should Have, in the Faith and Holiness of Their People Joy: Ministers should Pray For, for Their People Joy: Ministers should Promote, in Their People Joy: Promote, in the Afflicted Joy: Saints Shall be Presented to God With Exceeding Joy: Saints should Afford, to Their Ministers Joy: Saints should Engage in all Religious Services With Joy: Saints should Have, in all Their Undertakings Joy: Shall be the Final Reward of Saints at the Judgment Day Joy: The Coming of Christ Will Afford to Saints, Exceeding Joy: The Disciple, After the Resurrection of Jesus Joy: The Gospel to be Received With Joy: The Gospel, Good Tidings of Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Joy: Vanity of Seeking, from Earthly Things Joy: when David Killed Goliath Joy: when Saul Was Presented As Their King Joy: when the Foundation of the Second Temple Was Laid Joy: when the Wall of Jerusalem Was Dedicated Joy: when They Brought the Ark of the Covenant from the House of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem Joy: when They Came to David to Hebron to Make Him King Joy: when They Made Gifts to the House of God Joy: when They Observed the Dedication of the Temple, and the Feast of Tabernacles Under Ezra Joy: when They Took the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-Jearim Joy: when They Turned Away from Idolatry Select Readings: The Joy of the Righteous The Joy of God Over his People: Greatness of, Described The Joy of God Over his People: Illustrated The Joy of God Over his People: Leads to Him: Comfort Them The Joy of God Over his People: Leads to Him: Deliver Them The Joy of God Over his People: Leads to Him: do Them Good The Joy of God Over his People: Leads to Him: Give Them the Inheritance The Joy of God Over his People: Leads to Him: Prosper Them The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Faith The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Fear of Him The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Hope in his Mercy The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Meekness The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Praying to Him The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Repentance The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Uprightness The Joy of God Over his People: Solomon Related Terms |
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