The Advent of Joy | A Completed Joy
For all the trouble and pain of this world, there will come a day when our joy will never end. For now, we endure the difficulties this world has to offer and while we may not always be happy, we still experience a taste of joy through the foundational work of Jesus Christ. Yet, we cannot downplay the fact that our momentary struggles are still struggles none the less. The promises of scripture promise that for those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ, they will experience trials, difficulties, and pain. Followers of Jesus will be persecuted for their faith, experience famine, hunger, and die. Yet, though we may die one day, we will not fully experience death.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:1-11, ESV)
The key to our ongoing, continued, and completed joy is our abiding in Jesus Christ. The first coming of Jesus Christ shows us that the presence of God is never far off. He is not a distant God who wants nothing to do with His people, but came to be with us. Then, as He ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to reside within us. We know that one day, Jesus Christ will come again and fully restore all of creation to Himself, drawing those who have been bought by His blood to Himself. We will one day step into an eternal glory through the second coming of Jesus Christ. In that moment, our joy will be complete. Until then, we abide fully in Jesus Christ amidst the storm of a hostile world to the presence of God’s people.
Abide in Christ
The first coming of Jesus Christ brought joy into the world that the struggles we face and the temptation of sin could rightfully be put to death because of the works of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through His coming, He put death to death and established life in Him. All those who turn to Him, in faith, will see the forgiveness of their sins and the renewal of their heart and soul by the power of Christ’s victory and work. Now, we abide in Jesus Christ as the source of our strength, our protection, our shield, and our hope. To abide in Christ is to find our security in sitting in the presence of God, fully dependent on the King of Kings who secured victory over all creation for all time. We no longer look inward or to ourselves to find fulfillment and accomplishment but to Jesus Christ who brings us the victory as we abide in Him.
We will face temptation and the desires of the flesh. In those moments, we have been called to abide in Jesus Christ. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV) Sin will only snatch our joy from our hands for temporary pleasure. As we abide fully in Christ, we find the joy that transcends the temporary pleasures of sin for the eternal glory of the presence of God. In abiding in Christ, He gives us the strength to overcome the temptation that is common to man and sets us up on the foundation of a life with Him forever.
The Final and Eternal Joy
In the last days, Jesus Christ will return to bring His people to final restoration and to a final joy. Everything that had once been difficult or painful will fade away as we are swept up into eternity with to fully and completely abide in Jesus Christ. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:4-5, ESV) Jesus Christ will put an end to our separation from God through His second coming. The first coming brought the joy that sin’s days had been numbered. The second coming will bring that joy that everything has been brought under the rule and reign of Jesus Christ.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we must view our struggles today through the lens of eternity that we will experience with Jesus Christ and the joy He brings. The burdens we face are only temporary. They hold no real power over us and cannot separate us from the love of God. Even the biggest of consequences, that we will one day die in this world, is not enough to separate us from the joy that comes from being in Christ for all eternity. Our joy is rooted in the full presence of God. Through the second coming of Jesus Christ, all people who abide in Him will be restored to their fullness and in perfection. We may cry now, but we will not cry in eternity. We may suffer now, but we will not suffer in eternity. Everything will be brought before the King of Kings, and, for those in Christ Jesus, they will be welcomed into His joyful arms, greeting us as one would a family member rather than a servant.
About The Author
Daniel Burton is the founder of The Gospel Outpost. He is passionate about discipleship and seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. To find out more about him, check out his Author Page.
