The "joy of salvation" in Ellen White's writings is a profound and recurring theme, described as both the experience of the redeemed and the joy that motivated Christ Himself. Here are key points from her books, with direct references:
1. Christ’s Joy in Salvation:
- The joy that sustained Christ through His suffering was “the joy of seeing sinners saved.” This same joy should inspire every follower of Christ (
PK 172.1).
- Jesus welcomes the redeemed to the “joy of their Lord,” which is the joy of seeing souls saved through His sacrifice. The redeemed will share in this joy as they see those won to Christ through their prayers and efforts (
GC 647.1).
2. The Experience of the Redeemed:
- God delights to restore the joy of His salvation to those who have gone astray. He rejoices to deliver and heal, welcoming them back (
COL 234.1).
- The early Christians rejoiced in the hope of salvation, even amid trials, experiencing “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (
AA 517.3).
3. Heaven’s Joy Over the Saved:
- There is “joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,” and angels rejoice when a soul is saved (
COL 189.3;
6T 124.3).
- The joy of finding the lost sheep is greater than the sorrow of its loss, symbolizing the joy of salvation (
3T 99.2).
4. The Spirit of Salvation’s Joy:
- The spirit of Christ’s self-sacrificing love, which is the essence of heaven’s bliss, is also the spirit that brings true joy to His followers (
SC 77.2).
- The Lord desires His people to serve Him with gladness, gratitude, and rejoicing because of the privilege of salvation and the hope of Christ’s return (
COL 299.2).
In summary, the joy of salvation is the deep gladness that comes from being redeemed, from seeing others saved, and from sharing in Christ’s mission. It is a joy that fills heaven, motivates believers, and is available to all who accept God’s grace.
References:
- Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 172.1
- Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 647.1
- Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 189.3, 234.1, 299.2
- Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles, p. 517.3
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 124.3; vol. 3, p. 99.2
- Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 77.2