Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Joy of Saints Is for Election" is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's sovereign choice and the resulting joy that believers experience as a consequence of their election. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a profound spiritual reality that stems from the assurance of salvation and the eternal purposes of God.
Biblical FoundationThe doctrine of election is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In
Ephesians 1:4-5 , Paul writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage highlights the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that believers are chosen by God, which is a source of immense joy and gratitude.
Similarly, in
Romans 8:29-30 , Paul elaborates on the golden chain of salvation: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." The assurance that comes from being part of God's eternal plan brings joy to the saints, knowing that their salvation is secure in Christ.
Joy as a Fruit of the SpiritThe joy experienced by the saints as a result of their election is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 lists joy as one of the fruits, indicating that it is a natural outcome of the Spirit's work in the life of a believer. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the believer's relationship with God and the knowledge of His sovereign grace.
Joy in SufferingThe joy of election is not diminished by trials or suffering. In fact, the New Testament often associates joy with perseverance through hardships.
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." The understanding that one's election is part of God's perfect plan provides a foundation for joy even in the midst of suffering.
Joy in CommunityThe joy of election is also experienced within the community of believers. The early church exemplified this communal joy, 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." The shared experience of being chosen by God fosters a deep sense of unity and joy among the saints.
Eternal JoyFinally, the joy of the saints in their election is ultimately eschatological, pointing to the eternal joy that awaits them in the presence of God.
Revelation 21:3-4 offers a glimpse of this future joy: "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 anticipation of this eternal joy sustains believers as they live out their faith in the present world.
In summary, the joy of the saints in their election is a multifaceted reality that encompasses assurance of salvation, the work of the Holy Spirit, perseverance through trials, communal fellowship, and the hope of eternal life. This joy is a testament to the profound and gracious work of God in the lives of His chosen people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 10:20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Particular Election
... happy. Men who doubt their calling and election cannot be full of joy; but
the happiest saints are those who know and believe it. You ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/particular election.htm
Perseverance of Saints.
... the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." Again, Peter ... part, upon the assumption,
that individual saints do not certainly know their election, and the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm
Election and Holiness
... if thou hast given me life, and light, and joy, and peace ... through centuries, and
with few exceptions, where are the saints who denied the Election of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm
Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... as if they regarded all true saints as of ... elect, and their saintship as evidence
of their election. ... not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm
The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... 4. The last preparative for the saints' rest is their ... of the world." Every word is
full of life and joy. ... hath testified his love in their election, donation to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm
Election
... tell you what the doctrine of election will make saints do under ... is a very hopeful
and joyous thing that there is an election. ... There is joy and comfort for thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm
How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... they must presently enter upon unchangeable joy or pain ... tells us so frequently that
the saints before us ... diligence to make our calling and election sure;" and ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... They shall have joy enough up yonder, when they shall ... He hath made us kings and PRIESTS."
Saints are not ... Aaron." But we have that calling and election; we were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... On the contrary, it will be their joy to look ... Give diligence to make your calling
and election sure ... can against the holy violence of the saints; this sufficeth ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm
Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... II."Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service ... holy mysteries, and of constant
communion with the saints. ... more earnestly, for there is joy in heaven ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm
Resources
How can I find joy in the midst of trials? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference between joy and happiness? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I experience joy in my Christian life? | GotQuestions.orgJoy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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