*All Scripture is taken from the ESV Bible unless otherwise noted. All italics within Scripture are mine.
Today we will be going over reason 6 of 7 for wanting salvation.
B. Why would you want Salvation?:
6). For the unending feelings of Joy, Hope, and Peace: Joy–Webster’s does not define “joy” in a manner equal to the joy or source of joy that Christians should experience. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44). Jesus Christ is the treasure, and this man found it, realized its worth, and sold everything he had to get it. All of his belongings cannot measure up to the worth of the kingdom of heaven. When you’ve recognized it, you will be joyful, and you will want it.
In John 15:11, Jesus tells the disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” He had just finished explaining to them about the vine and the branches, that He will remain in them, whatever they ask will be given, and that He loves them and wants them to remain in His love by obeying His commands. Jesus’ joy came from His obedience to God the Father—“…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Heb. 12:2), and we can have that joy if we have the Holy Spirit and live in obedience to God.
Joy and happiness cannot be confused! Happiness is due to external circumstances: financially secure, new baby, promotion, etc. When things are going well, we’re happy, but as soon as circumstances change, our happiness disappears to become misery. Joy is internal. Joy comes from the Lord. “…[the jailer] was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God…” (Acts 16:34b). Only Christians can truly experience joy, and we can have joy at all times. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” This means we are to have joy no matter the circumstances, even when suffering. Not because of them, but in them. And we are able to do so because our joy comes from knowing God and having a relationship with Jesus Christ. However, we can allow misery to push aside the joy. We as Christians must always remember to look toward Jesus all the time, and especially when experiencing hard times. By doing this, we can be content in all situations, as we should, since God is faithful and we receive our strength from Him, as well as our joy! And also, what better witness is it to show peace and contentment when going through difficult times?
Hope-a firm conviction, like faith, that is directed toward the future; a confidence that the purpose of our creation will be realized, which is the glory we had before the fall. “…we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:2). 1 Peter 1:3 says, “…he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…,” and verse 13, “…set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Hope as we know it is not as the world knows it. The world may hope for a new car, better job, winning the lottery...things that are not definite. But Christians’ hope is in something known.
Peace–complete security and well being; and inner tranquility based on peace with God. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you,” (John 14:27). This peace He’s speaking of is an inner rest of the spirit, a true and tangible peace, whereas the world gives either a false sense of peace that is based on external circumstances, or simply a wish for peace. And also, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Contrast “in me” with “in the world,” and “peace” with “tribulation.” Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The “peace of God is the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven; it is the opposite of anxiety, the tranquility you get when you give all your cares to God through prayer and stop worrying about them. Don’t misunderstand the phrase “which surpasses all understanding.” God’s love and care for us is not unknowable, it’s just so great that it cannot be completely known.
This next verse encompasses all we’ve discussed today:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).
The next post will be reason number 7, the last reason, in this study, for wanting salvation! After that, we can go on to “How do you get salvation?” I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day! I am off to worship God with fellow Christians, I love it!
Niki Ƹ>Ï<Ʒ
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