Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of joy in the context of the Gospel, often referred to as the "Good Tidings," is a central theme throughout the New Testament. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a profound spiritual state that arises from the good news of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.
Old Testament FoundationsThe anticipation of joy associated with the coming of the Messiah is rooted in the Old Testament.
Isaiah 52:7 proclaims, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" This passage highlights the joy that accompanies the announcement of salvation and God's reign.
The Birth of ChristThe announcement of Jesus' birth is marked by joy. In
Luke 2:10-11, the angel declares to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!" This proclamation underscores the universal joy that the birth of the Savior brings to humanity.
The Ministry of JesusThroughout His ministry, Jesus embodies and imparts joy. In
John 15:11, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Here, Jesus emphasizes that His teachings and presence are intended to fill His followers with a complete and abiding joy.
The ResurrectionThe resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate source of joy for believers. In
Matthew 28:8, after the women discover the empty tomb, they "hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples." The resurrection confirms the victory over sin and death, providing a foundation for everlasting joy.
The Apostolic ProclamationThe apostles continue to spread the message of joy through the Gospel. In
Acts 13:52, it is recorded that "the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." The early church's experience of joy is closely linked to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and sustains believers.
Theological ImplicationsThe joy of the Gospel is deeply theological, rooted in the understanding of salvation, grace, and eternal life.
Romans 15:13 expresses this connection: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Joy is both a gift from God and a response to His grace.
Practical ExpressionsBelievers are called to live out this joy in their daily lives.
Philippians 4:4 exhorts, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This command reflects the enduring nature of Christian joy, which transcends circumstances and is anchored in the relationship with Christ.
Eschatological FulfillmentThe joy of the Gospel finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological hope of the believer.
Revelation 19:7 anticipates the marriage supper of the Lamb, declaring, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." This future joy is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where believers will experience eternal joy in His presence.
In summary, the joy associated with the Gospel is a profound and multifaceted theme that permeates Scripture. It is a joy that originates from the good news of Jesus Christ, is sustained by the Holy Spirit, and looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 2:10,11And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... when Philip preached the Gospel in Samaria, the consequence was great joy in that ...
I. The message of the Gospel is glad tidings of peace and good things. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm
Joy Born at Bethlehem
... The key-note of this angelic gospel is joy""I bring unto you good tidings of great
joy." Nature fears in the presence of God"the shepherds were sore afraid ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm
What 'the Gospel' Is
... By far the most frequent form in which the word gospel occurs is ... This message is
emphatically the good news ... If this be not the glad tidings of great joy for the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/what the gospel is.htm
Salvation Published from the Mountains
... in prospect of MESSIAH'S appearance, speaks of it as an event suited to excite a
general joy. The Gospel (as the word imports) is good news, glad tidings indeed ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon vi salvation published from.htm
The Angels Also are Evangelists.
... them, and said: [4519] "Fear not; behold I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall ... no knowledge among men of the mystery of the Gospel, those who ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 the angels also are.htm
Religious Joy.
... heavenly herald tempered the too dazzling brightness of the Gospel on that ... said the
Angel, "for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvii religious joy.htm
The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... They will blaze up at last; and light up that dark soul of yours with the very joy
of heaven. ... The gospel is the good news of the great work done upon the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm
The Gospel According to St. Luke
... There is always a freshness to remind us that the Gospel is "good tidings of great
joy" (ii.10), and the Magnificat (i.46-55), the Benedictus (i.68-79), the ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm
News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned ...
... 1. My dear reader, it is the great design of the Gospel, and wherever it ... in God is
thine help." (Hos.13:9) I bring thee "good tidings of great joy," (Luke 2 ...
/.../chapter viii news of salvation.htm
Easter Monday
... a comforting message, a Gospel of joy and grace ... did the prophets prophesy of this
Gospel, calling it ... the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm
Resources
How can I find joy in the midst of trials? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference between joy and happiness? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I experience joy in my Christian life? | GotQuestions.orgJoy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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