Counsel #7 — Joy Of Holiness

Picture: Counsel #7 — Joy Of HolinessCSL 25.1

Have you ever experienced the overwhelming joy of being reunited with a loved one after a long separation? This is a tiny glimpse of the joy we experience when we realize our burden of sin has been removed, and we walk freely with Jesus without the veil of sin between (see Isaiah 59:2).^{[22]https://adventistreview.org/2006-1514/2006-1514-8/} In his classic book, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan also references Pilgrim Christian’s utter freedom and joy when his burden of guilt fell from his back as he encountered the cross on his journey to the Celestial City.CSL 25.2

“Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalms 32:1, 2 NKJVCSL 25.3

“The prayer of David after his fall, illustrates the nature of true sorrow for sin. His repentance was sincere and deep…. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. He longed for the joy of holiness—to be restored to harmony and communion with God.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 24CSL 25.4

Reflect: In what ways do you experience joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22, 23)?
CSL 25.5