LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
A Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory
“For the kingdom if God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17, KJV).
There is no true joy till you can joy in God and Christ. They who joy in God have a joy that strangers intermeddle not with – it is a joy that no man can take from them; it amounts to a full assurance of faith that the soul is reconciled to God through Christ, that Jesus dwells in the heart; and when the soul reflects on itself, it magnifies the Lord, and rejoices in God its Savior.
Thus we are told that “Zaccheus received Christ joyfully,” that “the eunuch went on his way rejoicing,” and that “the jailer rejoiced in God with all his house.”
O, my friends, what joy have they that know their sins are forgiven them! What a blessed thing is it for a man to look forward and see an endless eternity of happiness before him, knowing that everything shall work together for his good! – it is joy unspeakable and full of glory. O may God make you all partakers of it!
Here, then, we will put the kingdom of God together. It is “righteousness,” it is “peace,” it is “joy in the Holy Ghost.” When this is placed in the heart, God there reigns, God there dwells and walks..
But, how few are there who have been made partakers of this kingdom! Have you? Then you are kings, though beggars; you are happy above all men in the world-you have got heaven in your hearts; and when the crust of your bodies drops, your souls will meet with God, your souls will enter into the world of peace, and you shall be happy with God for evermore.
I hope there is none who will fear death; for shame, if you do! What! afraid to go to Jesus, to your Lord? You may cry out, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” You may go on your way rejoicing, knowing that God is your friend, die when you will, angels will carry you safe to heaven. (George Whitefield).