The Measure of Our Salvation

The Measure of Our Salvation

We can say that joy is a measure of our salvation. Whatever is not done with joy is not done heartily. You do it because you know it is the right thing to do, but your heart is not in it. What is the reason for not being happy in doing what you know is right? The reason is sin. You are no more saved than that.

Our work is not pleasing if what we do is not accompanied by joy. “For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7. Here the apostle has said indirectly that God does not love any other giver. God loves all people, of course, but they are not pleasing to Him if they are not cheerful.

When a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, he is also filled with joy. This is a sure sign. Ungodly people drink until they are drunk, to become happy. We are exhorted not to do that, but rather be filled with the Spirit, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. Eph. 5:18-20. We cannot be led by the Spirit without being glad.

We are exhorted to show mercy with cheerfulness. Rom. 12:8. “So also has their exceeding joy and their deep poverty worked in them an abundant fullness of the riches of sincere love.” 2 Cor. 8:2.

It is therefore possible to combine deep poverty and abundance of joy. Together they resulted in an abundance of the riches of sincere love. What do you think would have been the result of this deep poverty without joy? What do you think is the reason a poor person cannot be happy???

Paul wanted to continue with the Philippians for their progress and joy of faith. Phil. 1:25. Paul prayed that the Colossians might be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy. Col. 1:11-12.

Everyone has to be patient and longsuffering to a certain extent; but what are patience and longsuffering without joy? What is it, then, that hinders joy? By applying this test we have an opportunity to find sin in ourselves. And even if we are joyful, isn’t it possible to obtain a greater fullness of joy? A deeper cleansing results in a greater fullness of joy.

“And joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods . . . .” Heb. 10:34. What would have been so remarkable about it if they had not joyfully accepted it? Quite a few people have been robbed. However, usually they did not endure such an experience with joy. It was their joy that proved they had a better and an enduring possession.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials . . . .” Jas. 1:2. The person whose aim is to receive the crown of life can do that. V. 12. We are blessed in what we do if we look into the perfect law of liberty. V. 25. All of these people’s hearts are in what they are doing.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials . . . .” 1 Pet. 1:6-7. It is therefore possible to combine joy and grief. This is the state of those who have a tried faith. Such people rejoice in their hearts and suffer in the flesh and cease from sin. 1 Pet. 4:1.

We could continue with such examples. Those who are downhearted, dispirited, and quiet can often appear so humble, but sin has power over them. If they humbled themselves under God’s mighty hand and purified themselves in obedience to the truth to sincere brotherly love, their joy would be exuberant.