In Luke 19:10 we read of Jesus stating His earthly mission: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost”. In Acts 4:12 we learn that there is no salvation in any other name under heaven except Jesus. We as Christians have heard the joyful sound of the Gospel and it called us to salvation (2 Thess. 2:14).
In our worship we often sing the song We Have Heard the Joyful Sound (Priscilla Owens 1829-1907). The first few lines of that song are:
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! —’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
As Christians, we not only heard the joyful sound of the gospel calling us to Christ but we produce and experience joy as fruit of the Spirit. Joy is distinct from happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances such as health, finances, security, but joy does not. Our joy comes from knowing that we are in Christ (Gal. 3:26-27) and therefore pleasing to God (John 15:10-11).
Are we joyful? We should be.
How God Saves – – Keep the Faith.
