The Joy Of Salvation

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

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Joy is the very atmosphere of the gospel. When Christ was born, heaven could not restrain its delight. The angels broke the silence of ages to publish good news of great joy. Why great joy? Because the Savior was born. If Christ had not been born, we would have been forever without hope. But now the fountain of salvation has been opened. Now sinners may draw near to God through a Savior who is God and man in one person. The gospel does not call you to work for joy, but to receive it. Its tidings are glad because salvation is finished in Christ.

The joy of the gospel is not like the fleeting pleasures of the world. Earthly joys sparkle for a moment and then perish. They fail in the hour of trouble and vanish in the face of death. But the joy that Christ gives is deep and abiding. It springs from sins forgiven, peace with God, and a righteousness that can never be taken away. It is joy that does not depend on changing circumstances but on the unchanging Savior. It belongs not to the proud, nor to those who cling to their own righteousness, but to the poor in spirit who rest their souls on Christ alone.

This joy is for all who will receive it. It is for the heavy-laden who long for rest. It is for the broken-hearted who mourn their sin. It is for the dying who fear eternity. The gospel brings joy because it brings Christ. If you would taste this joy, you must come to Him. Turn your eyes away from all that is earthly and behold the Lamb of God. Believe the glad tidings. The Savior who was born in Bethlehem is able to fill the heart that trusts in Him with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

(Taken From Robert Murray M'Cheyne's sermon "The Glad Tidings of Great Joy")