For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy. (Romans 14:17)The Joy of Holiness
God intends the Christian life to be a life of joy - not drudgery.
The idea that holiness is associated with a gloomy, self-sacrificing disposition is an exaggeration of the worst sort.
The idea that holiness is restricting is the worst parody. It is actually the opposite.
Only those who walk in holiness experience true joy.
Jesus said: "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so thy my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:10-11).Obedience and Joy is Cause and effect.
Joy results from obedience.
Only those who are obedient who are pursuing holiness as a way of life will know the joy that comes from God.
It is not that His love is conditioned on our obedience, but our experience of His love is dependent on our obedience.
Let us therefore endure, by anticipating the joy of His reward. (Hebrews 12)
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| The Joy of Holiness |