People are seeking joy and happiness in their lives, and they seek it in different places, and in different ways. The business man seeks success happiness in his business, to gain money and riches. A sportsman practices day after day to become a champion, and to win the race. A musician is playing music for years, until he is noticed and becomes famous. Others are seeking their joy in entertainment, in parties, in movie theatres, and in dance halls. But all these things do not give them fullness of joy.
We find true joy and happiness only, in serving God. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
Even when we are persecuted and reviled, we are exceeding glad. “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:11–12
“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Luke 6:22–23
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth up on you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12–14
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11
Jesus clearly stated that the things of this world, where people are seeking joy and happiness, will not provide it for them. “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:24–26
In one of my dreams I saw that I was sentenced to death for Sabbath-keeping. As I was taken to the place of execution I spoke about salvation, eternal life and of Jesus to the soldier who took me there; finally we came to the place, and I said my last prayer before I died. But I did not suffer; I felt much joy and happiness, similar to when I saw a dream of heaven, and spoke with Jesus. I was so happy that I could die for Him, who died for me. Martyrs who gave their lives for Jesus went to their death smiling and praising God.
Unfortunately, nowhere are there so many broken dreams as among religious people, among Christians. Jesus said, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say until you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21–23
The joy of heaven and happiness comes upon us when our sins are forgiven. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” Psalm 32:1–2
However, there are sins that will not be forgiven, and many professing Christians have committed the unpardonable sin, and have lost the joy of heaven. “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:31–32
“For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” Hebrews 10:26–27
In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter; therefore if we have the Holy Spirit living in us, then the greatest persecution and suffering will not take our fullness of joy away. But if we would lose the Holy Spirit, then our lives will be continuous misery and unhappiness. This can happen to anyone, at any time.
The sons of Aaron, (Nadab and Abihu) brought strange fire into the tabernacle, and by this they committed the unpardonable sin. They knew that it was wrong, but they did it anyways.
Uzzah touched the ark of God, and this sin was not forgiven. The sin of Judas was not forgiven. Jesus could have told him to repent and confess his sin, but it was too late for him.
When God is shaking His church, He only separates members who have committed the unpardonable sin. God is patient with members who are not yet fully committed to serve the Lord; they can yet be converted and be born again.
Christians who do not have fullness of joy are dying spiritually. Jesus saw this happening to the Jewish nation, and tears came to His eyes, because there was nothing more could He do for them, to save them. They rejected His calls to repent.
“While the Christian’s life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the privilege of everyone so to live that God will approve and bless him. It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness. There is no evidence of true humility in going with the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of self. We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the law without shame and remorse. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ Romans 8:1
“Through Jesus the fallen sons of Adam become ‘sons of God.’ ‘Both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren.’ Hebrews 2:11. The Christian’s life should be one of faith, of victory, and joy in God.” –The Great Controversy, p. 477
Nehemiah writes, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. A Christian with fullness of joy is a strong Christian; He can overcome sin and Satan’s temptations.
There is joy in heaven when one sinner turns to God and turns away from the sin of the world. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7
To us, the joy in the Lord is a far greater happiness than what all the pleasures of the world can give, and this joy continues for all eternity. Let us be careful that we will never lose this joy that Jesus gives us, but let it grow stronger and stronger. Amen.
Timo Martin