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Here is a little observation concerning the relationship between our love for one another and our heavenly position in the light and joy of life in Christ.
Jesus said: John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 17:13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. Jesus was going to the Father. He said "I come to Thee." And Jesus desired that the joy He would have upon coming to the Father would be fulfilled in them. And no wonder: John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: So then Christ's joy (Is there any greater joy?) was desired by Christ for Himself and for His people. He desired that His joy would be fulfilled. Therefore we conclude that the joy Christ has is the greatest joy there is and He prayed for His people to have that greatest joy fulfilled. Now, consider: John 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. {11} These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. It seems Christ was saying that through loving one another and obeying His commandments (believing on Him-1 John 3:22-23) His joy would remain in His people and their joy would be full through loving one another. Now, make this comparison: John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:22-23 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? {23} Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Again, what would happen with those who loved Christ (to love His people is to love Him-Mat 25:40)? They would have Christ and the Father dwell in them, in the Father's house. So then, love, joy, heaven are inseparable. This is why John said: 1 John 1:3-4 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. {4} And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. Imagine that keeping His word (believing on Him) means the love of God is perfected in the believer. By this we know we are in Him. This seems to fit precisely with Christ's prayer as well: John 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. Also: 1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and thereis none occasion of stumbling in him. Light, love, and heaven are inseparable: Revelation 21:23-25 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. {24} And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. {25} And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. The love of God perfected in Light. Printable PDF file of this article: |
Ward Fenley 
Ward Fenley resides in Westcliffe, Colorado with his two boys, Austin and Trumann. He teaches for an online virtual academy and also teaches private music lessons. Ward enjoys hiking, composing, and of course, writing about and discussing theology. He has written two books and many articles dealing with the kingdom and grace of God. Ward's current focus is on the subjects of the conscience and mercy in Scripture and how those elements relate to our everyday lives and those around us. He believes that love shown through mercy is the captivating element which not only proves the existence of the kingdom of God, but is also that which draws unbelievers to inquire into our faith in Jesus Christ.
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