Topical Bible: Joy of Saints Is for the Hope of Glory

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The concept of joy in the Christian life is deeply intertwined with the hope of glory, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. This joy is not merely an emotional response to favorable circumstances but is rooted in the eternal promises of God and the future glory that awaits believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, encapsulates this idea succinctly: "And not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). Here, Paul outlines a progression from suffering to hope, underscoring that the joy of the saints is anchored in the assurance of God's love and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Nature of Joy

Christian joy is distinct from worldly happiness. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is characterized by a deep-seated contentment and peace that transcends external circumstances. This joy is a reflection of the believer's relationship with Christ and the anticipation of sharing in His glory. As Paul writes to the Colossians, "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). The indwelling Christ is the source of this hope and joy, pointing to the future revelation of His glory.

Joy Amidst Trials

The New Testament frequently addresses the paradox of joy amidst trials. James 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" (James 1:2-3). This joy is not a denial of pain or hardship but a recognition that trials serve a divine purpose in refining faith and character, ultimately leading to a greater hope in God's promises.

Eschatological Hope

The joy of the saints is eschatological, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. 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, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9). This joy is tied to the ultimate salvation and glorification that believers will experience at Christ's return.

Communal Aspect of Joy

The joy of the saints is also communal, shared among the body of Christ. Paul, writing to the Philippians, expresses his joy in their partnership in the gospel: "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:4-5). The fellowship of believers provides mutual encouragement and a shared anticipation of the hope of glory.

Conclusion

The joy of the saints, rooted in the hope of glory, is a profound and enduring aspect of the Christian faith. It is a joy that transcends circumstances, is nurtured by the Holy Spirit, and looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joy
... carnal joys; he can rejoice in God, in sure hope of glory ... The oil of joy makes the
wheels of obedience move faster ... it is a taste of that which the saints have in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with his Saints.
... God-worthy that His servants should have their joy in the ... period is completed the
resurrection of the saints, who rise ... held out no hand of heavenly hope to me ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxv christs millennial and heavenly.htm

The Blessed Hope
... The blessed Hope of everlasting peace,. ... In that high vision of Love infinite. And
then the Saints shall rest in victory,. ... Amidst the Holy Angels joy shall be,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/the blessed hope.htm

That Worthy Name.
... the reality of all this you lack that joy and rest ... of that worthy Name are known
to God's Saints; but there ... a strong Tower, the Rock of Ages, the Hope of Glory ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... Herein, then, there was cause for joy. ... uttered by the mouths of prophets and of saints
since the ... who was to be Israel's glory and the world's hope; was now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

Psalm XVI.
... and temporal, to enjoy: the portion of the Saints is the ... not fail unto destruction,
but shall sleep in hope of the ... to Me." "Thou wilt fill Me with joy with Thy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xvi.htm

The Death of the Righteous
... fine erit gaudium sine fine [At the last our joy shall be ... It is sad to have life
and hope cut off together ... Use two: If saints gain such glorious things at death ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the death of the.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... out of which they could weave such hope, namely, a ... who are 'partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light ... of God Himself as the rapture of our joy and the ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

Presence in Absence
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... by St Luke that they "returned to Jerusalem with
great joy; and were ... we love; and that Christ in them is their hope of glory ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xii presence in absence.htm

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope. ... life; in thy presence is
fulness of joy; at thy ... I durst not have thought of the saints' preferment in ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm