Joy in the Presence of God's Glory
Joy in the Presence of God's Glory
The concept of joy in the presence of God's glory is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. According to Romans 5:2, believers "rejoice in hope of the glory of God" [1]. This hope is not just a future expectation but is tied to the present experience of God's glory. The glory of God is a recurring theme in scripture, often associated with the manifestation of God's presence and majesty.
The biblical narrative describes the glory of God as being exhibited in various ways, including through Christ, His works, and His holiness [4]. In Christ, the glory of God is particularly evident, as seen in John 1:14 and 2 Corinthians 4:6. The glory of God is not just a static attribute but is dynamically related to the believer's experience, bringing joy and rejoicing.
Believers are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord, as expressed in various Psalms. For instance, Psalm 9:2 says, "I will be glad and rejoice in thee" [7]. This rejoicing is not based on earthly circumstances but on the relationship with God and the blessings of His covenant, including forgiveness and justification. The joy is spiritual, stemming from communion with God and the expectation of future glory.
The presence of God's glory is a source of joy for believers, both in the present and in the future. In 1 Peter 4:13, believers are exhorted to "be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy" [2]. This joy is linked to the believer's participation in Christ's sufferings and the future revelation of His glory.
John Gill's commentary on Habakkuk 3:18 highlights the joy in the Lord despite adversity, emphasizing rejoicing in Christ's person, offices, and salvation [5]. Similarly, in Isaiah 61:10, the church expresses joy in the Lord, rejoicing in the salvation and righteousness provided through Christ [6].
The angels in heaven also experience joy in the presence of God's glory, particularly over the repentance of sinners. According to Luke 15:10, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" [8]. This joy is a reflection of the heavenly rejoicing that accompanies significant events in the life of believers and the church.
The biblical concept of joy in the presence of God's glory is thus multifaceted, encompassing both the present experience of believers and the future hope of glory. It is rooted in the understanding of God's glory as manifested in Christ and is a recurring theme in the Psalms and other biblical writings. The joy is spiritual, based on the believer's relationship with God, and is shared by the heavenly host in their observation of God's work among humanity.
The reward of saints and their future glory are also tied to the concept of joy in God's presence. Torrey's Topical Textbook describes the reward as "being with Christ," "beholding the face of God," and "beholding the glory of Christ" [3]. These descriptions underscore the intimate connection between joy, the presence of God, and the future glory awaiting believers.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 5:2 (KJV) — By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
- I Peter “I Peter 4:13 (BBE) — But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Reward of Saints, The — Is from God -- Ro 2:7; Col 3:24; Heb 11:6. Is of grace, through faith alone -- Ro 4:4,5,16; 11:6. Is of God's good pleasure -- Mt 20:14,15; Lu 12:32. Prepared by God -- Heb 11:16. Prepared by Christ -- Joh 14:2. As servants of Christ -- Col 3:24. Not on account of their merits -- Ro 4:4,5. Described as Being with Christ. -- Joh 12:26; 14:3; Php 1:23; 1Th 4:17. Beholding the face of God. -- Ps 17:15; Mt 5:8; Re 22:4. Beholding the glory of Christ. -- Joh 17:24. Being glorified with Christ. -- Ro 8:17,18; Col 3:4; Php 3:21; 1Jo 3:2. Sitting in j”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
- Habakkuk (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Habakkuk 3:18: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,.... In the Word of the Lord, as the Targum; the essential Word of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ; in his person, the greatness and glory of it; in his offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King, the only Mediator and Saviour; in his relations, as head and husband, father, brother, friend; in his fulness, grace, and righteousness; in his spiritual presence, and comfortable communion with him, which may be expected in a remarkable manner after the above day of trouble is over; and in his personal appearance, which will shortly be, and when ”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 61:10: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,.... These are not the words of the prophet spoken in his own person, rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord to his people and countrymen; nor of Christ; but of the church, especially the Jewish church, expressing her joy for benefits received, as declared in the preceding verses. The Targum is, "Jerusalem said, rejoicing I will rejoice in the Word of the Lord;'' not in his word of promise, but in his essential Word, his Son the Messiah; in his person, offices, fulness, righteousness, and salvation: my soul shall be joyful in m”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 9:2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee,.... Not in himself, in any attainments or works of his; not in his wisdom, riches, and strength, nor in his warlike exploits, but in the Lord; not in second causes, in horses and chariots, in armies, and in the courage and valour of men, but in God, as the author of deliverance, victory, and salvation; not in God only as the God of nature and providence, but as the God of all grace, and as his covenant God and Father; and because of the blessings of this covenant, as forgiveness of sin, a justifying righteousness, &c. for he rejoiced”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 15:10: Likewise I say unto you,.... As before, in Luk 15:7 there is joy in the presence of the angels of God; who are the friends and neighbours of Christ: See Gill on Luk 15:6, over one sinner that repenteth; which they have knowledge of, either by immediate revelation from God, or by observation in the church where they attend: the reason of this joy is, because there is one rescued out of the hands of Satan and his angels, between whom and them, there is an implacable enmity; and because another subject is added to Christ's kingdom, and by which it is enlarged, the pros”