Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of rejoicing in the Scriptures is a profound theme that resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the joy and delight that the saints find in the Word of God. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated appreciation and reverence for the divine truths and promises contained within the Holy Scriptures.
Biblical FoundationThe Scriptures are seen as a source of joy and strength for believers. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes" (
Psalm 19:8). This verse highlights the transformative power of God's Word, which enlightens and uplifts the soul.
Similarly,
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a profound meditation on the beauty and value of God's law. The psalmist exclaims, "I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil" (
Psalm 119:162). Here, the Scriptures are likened to a treasure, bringing immense joy and satisfaction to those who seek and embrace them.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the joy found in the Scriptures is further emphasized through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself, in His prayer to the Father, said, "I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (
John 17:14). Despite the world's opposition, the Word of God remains a source of joy and identity for believers.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Romans, underscores the hope and joy that the Scriptures provide: "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope" (
Romans 15:4). This hope is a cause for rejoicing, as it assures believers of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe joy that saints experience in the Scriptures is often facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the Word and applies it to the believer's heart. In
1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for receiving the Word "in the midst of severe suffering with the joy of the Holy Spirit" . This joy, even amidst trials, is a testament to the Spirit's work in making the Scriptures alive and relevant to the believer's life.
Practical ImplicationsFor the saints, rejoicing in the Scriptures is both a privilege and a duty. It involves a deliberate engagement with the Word, meditating on its truths, and allowing it to shape one's life and character. The joy derived from the Scriptures is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the eternal and unchanging nature of God's Word.
In summary, the Scriptures are a wellspring of joy for the saints, offering guidance, hope, and assurance. This joy is a reflection of the believer's relationship with God and a testament to the enduring power and relevance of His Word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 119:162I rejoice at your word, as one that finds great spoil.
Torrey's Topical TextbookJeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I did eat them; and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, O LORD God of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
... SOME SCRIPTURES FOR DAILY PRACTISE ... To rejoice in the midst of trial is health to
the soul ... thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Eph.6 ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/some scriptures for daily practise.htm
That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are Most ...
... SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR CHAPTER XI That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy
Scriptures are most ... For even Thy Saints, O Lord, who now rejoice with Thee ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi that the body.htm
Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth.
... The Scriptures are so explicit respecting the state of ... The righteous dead certainly
rejoice in God's presence and are associated with fellow saints. ...
/.../sermon xxvi departed saints fellowservants.htm
Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... If we do not mistake the scriptures, our pious departed ... may watch for their good,
and rejoice if they ... in the text, by decreeing adoration to departed saints. ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm
Psalm CXXXII.
... We speak these things not only from these Scriptures; read them in the whole ... "He
it is who baptizeth." Herein therefore shall the saints rejoice, herein the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm
Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... but the elect are recognized in the scriptures as saints ... speak as if they regarded
all true saints as of ... last time: 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm
The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... Is this the glory which the Scriptures spoke of, and ... it shall be our work, our business,
eternally to rejoice! It seems the saints' joy shall be greater than ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm
But when the Student of the Holy Scriptures...
... But when the student of the Holy Scriptures, prepared in ... may be able to comprehend
with all saints what is ... that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.". ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 62 but when the.htm
Of the Promise of Eternal Blessedness to the Saints, and ...
... And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people ... another place by the same prophet:
"The saints of the ... are found written in the same Scriptures; and these ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 of the promise of.htm
Who, Now, Should Know Better the Marrow of the Scriptures than the ...
... know better the marrow of the Scriptures than the ... partakers of Christ's sufferings,
do ye rejoice; that, when ... with the blood of the saints, [8304] doubtless ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter xii who now should.htm
Resources
Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgShould Catholic tradition have equal or greater authority than the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgScriptures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus