Topical Bible: Joy: Holy: Converts

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In the Christian tradition, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in the divine presence and the fulfillment of God's promises. This joy is particularly evident in the context of holy converts—those who have turned from a life of sin to embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The transformation of a sinner into a believer is a cause for great rejoicing both in heaven and on earth.

The Bible frequently associates joy with the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. In Galatians 5:22 , joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outcome of a life lived in accordance with God's will: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance of God's love and salvation.

The joy of conversion is vividly illustrated in the parables of Jesus. In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Each account culminates in a celebration upon the recovery of what was lost, symbolizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:7 states, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent."

The early church also experienced great joy as new converts were added to their number. In Acts 2:46-47 , the believers are described as being filled with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This joy was a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ.

The Apostle Paul often expressed joy in his letters when recounting the faith and growth of new believers. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 , he writes, "After all, who is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy." For Paul, the conversion and perseverance of believers were a source of immense joy and a reflection of God's faithfulness.

The joy of holy converts is not only a personal experience but also a communal one. The church is called to rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15) and to support new believers in their spiritual journey. This communal joy strengthens the body of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

In summary, the joy associated with holy converts is a central theme in the Christian faith, reflecting the joy of salvation, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the communal celebration of new life in Christ. This joy is a foretaste of the eternal joy promised to all believers in the presence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
... for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for ... to God's service, pray specially
for the young converts. ... take up our place as priests with joy, and give ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/twenty-sixth day for the holy.htm

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
... the Holy Ghost and of faith.' And finally we read in our text that these new converts,
left alone in Antioch of Pisidia, were 'full of joy and of the Holy Ghost ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/full of the holy ghost.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... greater commotion, and resulted in the first converts there. ... of Jesus Christ, was
made known by holy brother Thomas ... In that day our minds were filled with joy. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... But they should aim at being holy, and not rest ... Young converts should not begin to
have a double mind, on ... not qualified to drink deep at the fountain of joy. ...
/.../lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xix instructions to converts.htm

Harvest Joy
... Father, the Prince of Peace." We want converts who know ... secret places, and cry to
God the Holy Spirit to ... Once more, about this discrimination, the joy must be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/harvest joy.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... Barnabas, "a good man full of the Holy Ghost and ... Apollos (Acts 18:26); in the Ephesian
converts burning their ... dearly beloved and longed for," his "joy and crown ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

The Sect Everywhere Spoken Against
... on a mission to Hungary, to visit two of his converts. ... I speak truly, when I say
that all the joy of the ... such books as are not contrary to Holy Scripture, are ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlii the sect everywhere.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... in much affliction;" and their hearts were filled with "joy of the Holy Ghost."
The ... He declared that he had not sought to win converts through deception or ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
... And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. ... by the Jews, the
conduct of the Apostles, and the sweet little picture of the converts. ...
/.../jewish rejecters and gentile receivers.htm

The Blossoming Desert.
... our cares, anxieties, and labors must necessarily increase as the converts increase ...
Scriptures, and, as a consequence of all this, their joy in the Holy Ghost ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vii the blossoming desert.htm