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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCharles Buck Theological Dictionary: JOY
Subjects in this Topic:
A delight of the mind arising from the consideration of a present for assured approaching possession of a future good. When it is moderate, it is called gladness; when raised on a sudden to the highest degree, it is then exultation or transport; when we limit our desires by our possessions, it is contentment; when our desires are raised high, and yet accomplished, this is called satisfaction; when our joy is derived from some comical occasion or amusement, it is mirth; if it arise from considerable opposition that is vanquished in the pursuit of the good we desire, it is then called triumph; when joy has so long possessed the mind that it is settled into a temper, we call it cheerfulness; when we rejoice upon the account of any good which others obtain, it may be called sympathy or congratulation. This is natural joy; but there is,
2. A moral joy, which is a self-approbation, or that which arises from the performance of any good actions; this is called peace, or serenity of conscience: if the action be honourable, and the joy rise high, it may be called glory.
3. There is also a spiritual joy, which the Scripture calls a "fruit of the Spirit, " Gal_5:22. "the joy of faith." Php_1:25. and "the rejoicing of hope, " Heb_3:6.
The objects of it are,
1. God himself, Psa_43:4. Is. 41: 10.
2. Christ, Php_3:3. 1Pe_1:8.
3. The promises, Psa_119:162.
4. The administration of the Gospel, and Gospel ordinances, Psa_89:15.
5. The prosperity of the interest of Christ, Act_15:3. Rev_11:15; Rev_17:1-18 :
6. The happiness of a future state, Rom_5:1-21. Mat_25:1-46 :
The nature and properties of this joy:
1. It is or should be constant, Php_4:4.
2. It is unknown to the men of the world, 1Co_2:14.
3. It is unspeakable, 1Pe_1:8.
4. It is permanent, Joh_16:22. Watts on the Pass. sect. 11; Gill's Body of Div. p. 111.3d. vol. 8vo. edit.; Grove's Mor. Phil. vol. 1: p. 356.