What is the JOY of our salvation?

Have you heard that term before? "The joy of salvation" I have, but I never really knew what it meant until now.

My work church started a new Sunday evening event. We had an awesome prayer time first where we prayed the Scriptures. This is something I am learning how to do and really enjoying. Then, we are doing the Bible study, "Your Church Experiencing God Together". It's from the Blackby's who have the study "Experiencing God".

I just learned a lot from the introduction and the day one of homework.

Here are a few points:

1. Many Christians accept the gift of salvation because they want to go to heaven when they die, but they don't understand God's total plan and purpose in salvation and the unparalleled cost to God to grant it. Consequently, they neglect major dimensions of the Christian life and don't experience the incredible relationship with God made possible by His salvation."

2."They live in black and white without seeing the full spectrum of colors in all their beauty."

3. "The most identifiable characteristic of salvation is the quality of our love, first towards God and then toward His people. Without a love relationship on both levels, vertically and horizontally, we have NOT experienced God's great salvation."

In Matthew 23, Jesus told the people this, 37-40, "He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

In Psalm 51, King David was going through a rough time, and he asked God to restore the joy of his salvation.

The joy of our salvation should be more about how we are experiencing God daily and less about only what we are saved from. Yes, that's important, but after we give our life to God, we need to move forward and walk daily with Him.

I believe that it's the joy of our salvation that will lead others to Christ. Romans 2, 1-4 talks about how we shouldn't judge others and that don't we realize that it's kindness that leads others to repentance, read it if you get a chance. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. When people see the changes in you, and the joy and love you have for God and people, it will influence them. It has to.

We can have JOY in our hearts fully, and ENJOY our salvation because of God's love for us.

If you aren't attending church, please do so. It doesn't have to have four walls and pews. One of my good friends has been attending church on the beach. I think that's awesome! It's a body of believers gathering in God's name, hearing His word, and worshiping Him. That's church. 

God meant for us to have a church family. That church is another place that you can and will experience the joy of your salvation.