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150 Bible Verses about the Joy of Salvation
“Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation.”Therefore with joy you will draw water From the springs of salvation.
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy,receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
¶I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has covered me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom puts on a turban, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! [Ps 37:4]
Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled, that we will be saved [from the consequences of sin] by His life [that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today].Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation [with God]. [Jer 9:24]Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all people [no one being able to stop it or escape its power], because they all sinned.Sin was [committed] in the world before the Law [was given], but sin is not charged [against anyone] when there is no law [against it].Yet death ruled [over mankind] from Adam to Moses [the Lawgiver], even over those who had not sinned as Adam did. Adam is a type of Him (Christ) who was to come [but in reverse—Adam brought destruction, Christ brought salvation]. [Gen 5:5; 7:22; Deut 34:5] But the free gift [of God] is not like the trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to [benefit] the many.Nor is the gift [of grace] like that which came through the one who sinned. For on the one hand the judgment [following the sin] resulted from one trespass and brought condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift resulted from many trespasses and brought justification [the release from sin’s penalty for those who believe].For if by the trespass of the one (Adam), death reigned through the one (Adam), much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in [eternal] life through the One, Jesus Christ.So then as through one trespass [Adam’s sin] there resulted condemnation for all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous and acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him.Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].
O Lord the king will delight in Your strength, And in Your salvation how greatly will he rejoice!
I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.
Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! [Rom 8:37]
Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” [Ex 32:32; Ps 69:28; Dan 12:1; Rev 3:5]
That I may tell aloud all Your praises, That in the gates of the daughter of Zion (Jerusalem) I may rejoice in Your salvation and Your help.
It will be said in that day, “Indeed, this is our God for whom we have waited that He would save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; Let us shout for joy and rejoice in His salvation.”
The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.¶The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.
¶But I have trusted and relied on and been confident in Your lovingkindness and faithfulness; My heart shall rejoice and delight in Your salvation.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples.
Shout for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout in triumph, you depths of the earth; Break forth into jubilant rejoicing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, And He shows His glory in Israel.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rejoice always and delight in your faith;be unceasing and persistent in prayer;in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous [who actively seek right standing with Him]; Shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Finally, my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.
Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete.
Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.”
You became imitators of us and [through us] of the Lord, after you welcomed our message in [a time of] great trouble with the joy supplied by the Holy Spirit;
¶May all those who seek You [as life’s first priority] rejoice and be glad in You; May those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!”
And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their hearts and souls] with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
And the ransomed of the Lord will return And come to Zion with shouts of jubilation, And everlasting joy will be upon their heads; They will find joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
“Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, And her godly ones will shout aloud for joy.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation [with God]. [Jer 9:24]
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let Zion’s children rejoice in their King. [Zech 9:9; Matt 21:5]
What then [does it matter]? So long as in every way, whether in pretense [for self-promotion] or in all honesty [to spread the truth], Christ is being preached; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice [later as well],
‘You have made known to me the ways of life; You will fill me [infusing my soul] with joy with Your presence.’ [Ps 16:8-11]
Splendor and majesty are [found] in His presence; Strength and joy are [found] in His place (sanctuary).
I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones; Praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart—those with moral integrity and godly character].
The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; All the upright in heart will glory and offer praise.
constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength],
¶But let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, Let them ever sing for joy; Because You cover and shelter them, Let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in You.
I have taken Your testimonies as a heritage forever, For they are the joy of my heart. [Deut 33:4]
Shout for joy, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, And break forth into singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people And will have compassion on His afflicted.
Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. [2 Chr 36:16]
But let the righteous be glad; let them be in good spirits before God, Yes, let them rejoice with delight.
“The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. [Acts 2:25-28, 31]
The Lord is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; My heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him.
“Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and make them rejoice after their sorrow.
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”
Therefore, my fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. [2 Cor 4:17]
¶How beautiful and delightful on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, Who brings good news of good [things], Who announces salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” [Acts 10:36; Rom 10:15; Eph 6:14-16]Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, Together they shout for joy; For they will see face to face The return of the Lord to Zion.Break forth, shout joyfully together, You ruins of Jerusalem; For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices and triumphs in the Lord; My horn (strength) is lifted up in the Lord, My mouth has opened wide [to speak boldly] against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed.
Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works; At the works of Your hands I joyfully sing.
Finally, believers, rejoice! Be made complete [be what you should be], be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace [enjoy the spiritual well-being experienced by believers who walk closely with God]; and the God of love and peace [the source of lovingkindness] will be with you.
You have put joy in my heart, More than [others know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.
“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. [John 3:18]
Make me hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. [Jer 6:16]and asked Him, “Are You the Expected One (the Messiah), or should we look for someone else [who will be the promised One]?” [Gen 49:10; Num 24:17; Ps 40:7; 118:26; Is 59:20]For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. [Heb 12:1-3]
How blessed and graciously favored is he whose help is the God of Jacob (Israel), Whose hope is in the Lord his God, [Gen 32:30]
[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. [Ps 110:1]
O Lord of hosts, How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].
To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following: To give them a turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning], The oil of joy instead of mourning, The garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God], The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
¶Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burden day by day, The God who is our salvation! Selah.As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; As wax melts before the fire, So let the wicked and guilty perish before [the presence of] God.God is to us a God of acts of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death [setting us free].
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
For with You is the fountain of life [the fountain of life-giving water]; In Your light we see light. [John 4:10, 14]
This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], [Lev 16:2]
For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers,nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
¶Gracious is the Lord, and [consistently] righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.The Lord protects the simple (childlike); I was brought low [humbled and discouraged], and He saved me.Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. [Matt 11:29]
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
And the testimony is this: God has given us eternal life [we already possess it], and this life is in His Son [resulting in our spiritual completeness, and eternal companionship with Him].He who has the Son [by accepting Him as Lord and Savior] has the life [that is eternal]; he who does not have the Son of God [by personal faith] does not have the life.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].“Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].
I will give thanks and praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; And will glorify Your name forevermore.For great is Your lovingkindness and graciousness toward me; And You have rescued my life from the depths of Sheol [from death].
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear [with great reverence] And will trust confidently in the Lord. [Ps 5:11]
Therefore, [continue to] accept and welcome one another, just as Christ has accepted and welcomed us to the glory of [our great] God.
I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
For God alone my soul waits in silence; From Him comes my salvation.Do not trust in oppression, And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.¶God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.Also to You, O Lord, belong lovingkindness and compassion, For You compensate every man according to [the value of] his work. [Jer 17:10; Rev 22:12]He alone is my rock and my salvation, My defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened.
And in that day you will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name [in prayer]. Make His deeds known among the peoples [of the earth]; Proclaim [to them] that His name is exalted!”Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done excellent and glorious things; Let this be known throughout the earth.
Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].
Therefore, believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus,For if it were otherwise, would not these sacrifices have stopped being offered? For the worshipers, having once [for all time] been cleansed, would no longer have a consciousness of sin.by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh,
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.The young lions lack [food] and grow hungry, But they who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].Who is the man who desires life And loves many days, that he may see good?Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit.Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.¶The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous [those with moral courage and spiritual integrity] And His ears are open to their cry.The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To cut off the memory of them from the earth. [1 Pet 3:10-12]When the righteous cry [for help], the Lord hears And rescues them from all their distress and troubles.The Lord is near to the heartbroken And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin).¶Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.My soul makes its boast in the Lord; The humble and downtrodden will hear it and rejoice.He keeps all his bones; Not one of them is broken. [John 19:33, 36]Evil will cause the death of the wicked, And those who hate the righteous will be held guilty and will be condemned.The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.O magnify the Lord with me, And let us lift up His name together.
“Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other.
Then he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, since he had believed in God with his entire family [accepting with joy what had been made known to them about the Christ].
For if by the trespass of the one (Adam), death reigned through the one (Adam), much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in [eternal] life through the One, Jesus Christ.
¶O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him. [1 Pet 2:2, 3]
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.
The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory. [John 17:24; Gal 3:29; 4:7; Eph 1:3, 11; 3:6; Heb 6:12]
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.¶For He will command His angels in regard to you, To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].They will lift you up in their hands, So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone. [Luke 4:10, 11; Heb 1:14]You will tread upon the lion and cobra; The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. [Luke 10:19]¶“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.“With a long life I will satisfy him And I will let him see My salvation.”I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”
Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent.
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.
Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].
By this we know [with confident assurance] that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given to us His [Holy] Spirit.
¶What will I give to the Lord [in return] For all His benefits toward me? [How can I repay Him for His precious blessings?]I will lift up the cup of salvation And call on the name of the Lord.
In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. [John 7:39; Acts 2:33]The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.
Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path, And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection].Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones [those whose moral and spiritual integrity places them in right standing with God], And praise and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
“For you will go out [from exile] with joy And be led forth [by the Lord Himself] with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim good news of His salvation from day to day.Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works and wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; For You have done miraculous things, Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness.
Yes, they will sing of the ways of the Lord [joyfully celebrating His wonderful acts], For great is the glory and majesty of the Lord.
But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine!“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me.“I, [only] I, am the Lord, And there is no Savior besides Me.“I have declared [the future] and saved [the nation] and proclaimed [that I am God], And there was no strange (alien) god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses [among the pagans],” declares the Lord, “That I am God.“Even from eternity I am He, And there is no one who can rescue from My hand; I act, and who can revoke or reverse it?”This is what the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says, “For your sake I have sent [one] to Babylon, And I will bring down all of them as fugitives, Even the Chaldeans [who reign in Babylon], into the ships over which they rejoiced. “I am the Lord, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.”This is what the Lord says, He who makes a way through the sea And a path through the mighty waters,He who brings out the chariot and the horse, The army and the mighty warrior, (They will lie down together, they will not rise again; They have been extinguished, they have been put out like a lamp’s wick):“Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past.“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.“The beasts of the field will honor Me, Jackals and ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. [Is 41:17, 18; 48:21]“The people whom I formed for Myself Will make known My praise.¶“Yet you have not called on Me [in prayer and worship], O Jacob; But you have grown weary of Me, O Israel.“You have not brought Me your sheep or goats for your burnt offerings, Nor honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, Nor wearied you with [demands for offerings of] incense.“You have not bought Me sweet cane with money, Nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your wickedness.¶“I, only I, am He who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.“Remind Me [of your merits with a thorough report], let us plead and argue our case together; State your position, that you may be proved right.“Your first father [Jacob] sinned, And your spokesmen [the priests and the prophets—your mediators] have transgressed against Me.“So I will profane the officials of the sanctuary, And I will consign Jacob to destruction and [I will subject] Israel to defamation and abuse.“For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt [to the Babylonians] as your ransom, Cush (ancient Ethiopia) and Seba [its province] in exchange for you.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). [Mic 5:2]
For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!
Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].
¶Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Shout [in jubilation] and sing for joy and sing praises.Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody.
Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word];
But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— [Is 56:5]who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].
On the day I called, You answered me; And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.
The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God).It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He conducts his affairs with justice. [Ps 37:26; Luke 6:35; Col 4:5]He will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. [Prov 10:7]¶He will not fear bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting [confidently relying on and believing] in the Lord.
for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. [Rom 14:10]
For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy].
O come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.“For forty years I was grieved and disgusted with that generation, And I said, ‘They are a people who err in their heart, And they do not acknowledge or regard My ways.’“Therefore I swore [an oath] in My wrath, ‘They absolutely shall not enter My rest [the land of promise].’ ” [Heb 4:3-11]Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with songs.
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].
We wait [expectantly] for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.For in Him our heart rejoices, Because we trust [lean on, rely on, and are confident] in His holy name.Let Your [steadfast] lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, In proportion as we have hoped in You.
who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.
Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the desert— His name is the Lord—be in good spirits before Him.¶A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows, Is God in His holy habitation.God makes a home for the lonely; He leads the prisoners into prosperity, Only the stubborn and rebellious dwell in a parched land.
Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.By this the children of God and the children of the devil are clearly identified: anyone who does not practice righteousness [who does not seek God’s will in thought, action, and purpose] is not of God, nor is the one who does not [unselfishly] love his [believing] brother. For this is the message which you [believers] have heard from the beginning [of your relationship with Christ], that we should [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another;and not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother [Abel]. And why did he murder him? Because Cain’s deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.Do not be surprised, believers, if the world hates you.We know that we have passed out of death into Life, because we love the brothers and sisters. He who does not love remains in [spiritual] death.Everyone who hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer [by God’s standards]; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. [Matt 5:21-23]By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love: that He [willingly] laid down His life for us [because He loved us]. And we ought to lay down our lives for the believers.But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him?Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words].By this we will know [without any doubt] that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart and quiet our conscience before HimBeloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].
I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever; With my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”
But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
He rescued us from so great a threat of death, and will continue to rescue us. On Him we have set our hope. And He will again rescue us [from danger and draw us near],
¶I wait [patiently] for the Lord, my soul [expectantly] waits, And in His word do I hope.
Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek and require the Lord [as their most essential need] rejoice.
So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [Is 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt 28:18; Luke 2:11]There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From that time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. [Dan 2:44; 1 Cor 15:25-28; Heb 1:8]