Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "fulness of joy" as the reward of the saints is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the ultimate satisfaction and delight found in the presence of God. This joy is not merely an emotional state but a deep, abiding sense of fulfillment and contentment that comes from a restored relationship with the Creator.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently speaks of joy as a hallmark of the believer's life, particularly in the context of salvation and eternal life. 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 encapsulates the essence of the joy that awaits the saints—an everlasting joy found in the presence of God. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks of this joy. In John 15:11, He tells His disciples, "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete" . Here, Jesus emphasizes that the joy He offers is complete and fulfilling, a joy that transcends earthly circumstances and is rooted in the divine relationship. The Nature of This Joy The joy promised to the saints is characterized by its fullness and permanence. Unlike the fleeting pleasures of the world, the joy of the Lord is enduring and unshakeable. It is a joy that is not dependent on external conditions but is anchored in the eternal truths of God's promises and His unchanging nature. This joy is also communal, shared among the saints in the presence of God. Revelation 21:3-4 paints a picture of this communal 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 absence of sorrow and the presence of God Himself are central to the joy experienced by the saints. Joy in the Present and Future While the fullness of joy is ultimately realized in eternity, believers are invited to experience a foretaste of this joy in their present lives. The Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, is a source of joy. Galatians 5:22 lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outgrowth of a life lived in step with the Spirit. Moreover, the anticipation of future joy provides strength and encouragement for believers as they navigate the trials of this world. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to look to Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" . Jesus' example demonstrates that the promise of future joy can empower believers to endure present hardships. Conclusion The reward of the saints, the fullness of joy, is a central promise of the Christian faith. It is a joy that is complete, eternal, and rooted in the presence of God. This joy is both a present reality and a future hope, sustaining believers as they journey through life and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 16:11You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for ever more. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Effects of those Prerogatives. Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven. Religion Pleasant to the Religious. The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ... The Resurrection Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs How we Ought Lovingly to Receive God. All Fulness in Christ The Death of the Righteous The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People Resources What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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