Topical Bible: Communion of Saints: Delight of

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The concept of the "Communion of Saints" is a profound and cherished doctrine within Christian theology, emphasizing the spiritual solidarity and fellowship among believers, both living and departed. This communion is not merely a theological abstraction but a source of deep delight and spiritual enrichment for the faithful.

Biblical Foundation

The Communion of Saints finds its roots in the New Testament, where the unity of believers is a recurring theme. In Ephesians 2:19-22 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." This passage highlights the interconnectedness of believers, forming a spiritual edifice with Christ as the cornerstone.

Spiritual Delight

The delight of the Communion of Saints is multifaceted, encompassing joy, encouragement, and mutual edification. In Hebrews 12:1 , the author exhorts believers, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." The imagery of a "great cloud of witnesses" suggests a spiritual camaraderie that inspires and uplifts the believer, providing a sense of belonging and purpose.

Mutual Edification

The Communion of Saints also serves as a means of mutual edification. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 , Paul describes the Church as one body with many members, each contributing to the well-being of the whole: "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This unity in diversity fosters a community where believers can grow and thrive together, delighting in the shared life of faith.

Intercessory Support

Another aspect of the delight found in the Communion of Saints is the intercessory support that believers offer one another. James 5:16 encourages, "Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." The prayers and support of fellow believers provide comfort and strength, reinforcing the bonds of spiritual kinship.

Eternal Fellowship

The Communion of Saints extends beyond the temporal realm, offering the hope of eternal fellowship with God and all His saints. Revelation 7:9-10 paints a vivid picture of this eternal communion: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" This vision of heavenly worship underscores the ultimate delight of the Communion of Saints, where believers from all ages and places unite in the presence of God.

In summary, the Communion of Saints is a source of profound delight for believers, offering spiritual unity, mutual edification, intercessory support, and the hope of eternal fellowship. Through this sacred communion, Christians experience the joy and strength of being part of the body of Christ, both now and forever.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 42:4
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 133:1-3
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:32
That I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

I Believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian Church, the ...
... that the words Gemeinschaft der Heiligen (communion of saints ... holy group and
congregation of pure saints, under one ... knowledge we obtain love and delight in all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/i believe in the holy.htm

The Communion of Goods.
... felicity of God's children shall be not only a spiritual delight, but also ... work upon
each other in a harmonious manner, the communion of saints must have ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the communion of goods.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... the duties of piety and charity, you boast of, sound not a trumpet, tell not your
left hand of it; we are talking now of communion of saints, church communion ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

All Saints' Day
... a Holy One, whom I may contemplate with utter delight? ... has entered in so far into
the communion of the ... had his share in the everlasting All Saints' Day which ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

Sponsorship
... The real communion of saints is founded ... lead them into sin, and draw them away to
those sinful and unholy pleasures in which he takes delight,"whether it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon v sponsorship.htm

What is the Christian Home?
... of holy baptism, and of the communion of saints, leading to ... nature, but "in Christ."
They enjoy a "communion in spirit ... "A sacred and home-felt delight, A sober ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter i what is the.htm

Easter Litany of the Moravian Church. AD 1749.
... he is the Lord, the Messenger of the covenant, whom we delight in. ... in Christ Jesus,
the holy, universal Christian Church, in the communion of saints, at all ...
/.../easter litany of the moravian.htm

The Psalms of David
... Psalm 84:3. 14 2 3 10. Paraphrased. CM Delight in ordinances of worship; or, God
present in his churches. ... Praise to God; or, Communion with saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

Grace
... in the shape of beautiful, and amiable, and innocent maidens, who took delight in
going ... off, as long as we give way to them, from the communion of saints. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xx grace.htm

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion ...
... not to oppose the Sayings of Doctors, Saints, Popes and ... how ill she did, in depriving
her of the Communion. ... make her this answer; it being my delight to be ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i no minister ought.htm