Topical Bible: The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Repentance

Bible > Topical > The Joy of God Over his People

◄ The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Repentance ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's joy over the repentance of His people is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures. It highlights the deep love and compassion God has for humanity, as well as His desire for all to turn from sin and return to Him. This joy is not merely a passive feeling but an active celebration of restored relationship and renewed life.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God's joy in the repentance of His people. The prophets frequently called Israel to repentance, emphasizing that turning back to God would result in His favor and blessing. In Ezekiel 18:23, God declares, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer he turn from his ways and live?" . This rhetorical question underscores God's preference for repentance over judgment, revealing His heart's desire for His people to choose life.

The book of Joel also captures this theme, as the prophet urges the people to return to God with all their hearts. Joel 2:12-13 states, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" . Here, the call to repentance is met with the assurance of God's gracious and compassionate nature, which delights in the restoration of His people.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament further illuminates God's joy over repentance, particularly through the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, each illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:7 records Jesus saying, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent" . This passage vividly portrays the heavenly celebration that occurs when a lost soul returns to God.

The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) further exemplifies this joy. The father's reaction to his returning son is one of overwhelming joy and celebration. He runs to meet his son, embraces him, and throws a feast in his honor. This parable not only illustrates the joy of God but also His readiness to forgive and restore those who come back to Him in repentance.

Theological Implications

The joy of God over repentance is deeply rooted in His character as a loving and merciful Father. It reflects His desire for reconciliation and the restoration of broken relationships. Repentance is not merely a human action but a divine invitation to experience the fullness of God's grace and love.

This joy also underscores the transformative power of repentance. When individuals turn from their sinful ways and seek God, they are met with His forgiveness and acceptance. This transformation brings about a renewed life, aligning with God's purposes and bringing joy to His heart.

Practical Application

Understanding God's joy over repentance encourages believers to embrace a lifestyle of continual turning towards God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the willingness to acknowledge one's sins. Moreover, it inspires the church to actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation, sharing the message of repentance and forgiveness with the world.

In summary, the joy of God over the repentance of His people is a testament to His boundless love and mercy. It is a celebration of restored relationships and a call to live in the light of His grace. As believers respond to this divine joy, they participate in the heavenly celebration, reflecting God's heart to a world in need of His redemptive love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 15:7,10
I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... abiding of the Holy Ghost in his people, to turn over these things is to ... I said that
he who had spiritual joy gained it by communion with God, but communion ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

Pricked in their Heart
... when he says, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord ... that at the right hand of God
our Lord ... of heaven's trumpets, which proclaims him head over principalities and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/pricked in their heart.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... great distress of mind, and afterwards they got relief and their joy was very ... Such
an one, when he leaves the love of God, may be delivered over to Satan ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

At the Marriage Feast
... A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion, and its joy was not ... He says, "As the
bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 15 at the marriage.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 77]355; a sort of rule, ie, over plants, [78 ... 330]286; testifies to a judgment,
[331]326; joy of a ... the Philistines, [444]320; had been lost if God destroyed upon ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... dearest of his offspring to atone for his sin, and bring over the God ... but would bring
them to their desired haven, and unto God their exceeding joy. ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

Divine Election and Reprobation
... them all to perish and delivering them over to condemnation ... the secret and deep things
of God, but by observing in themselves with a spiritual joy and holy ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/divine election and reprobation.htm

Manasseh
... so hated and cursed was once a nation's hope and joy. ... into a foreign prison to muse
in solitude over the end of ... And we are told that God was merciful and heard ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/manasseh.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... that our Lord has said, "There is joy in heaven over ... In contradiction to such, God
by Isaiah says to the ... the penitent with alacrity, and rejoice over them, and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

On God's vineyard
... and true holiness; yea, and of the fruit of the Spirit, " love, joy, peace, long ...
Hath God been wanting on his part? Have you not been warned over and over? ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm