For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

                                                                                                               Colossians 1:13-14 

Although there are various factors that can affect our demeanor, Christian joy comes from a deep, heartfelt knowledge. Today’s passage reveals four areas of spiritual knowledge. When we abide in it, we find the joy in which we are looking. 

1. We Have Been Rescued 

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…

                                                                                                                        Titus 3:5 

To know that we are saved is to have an unshakable joy. As believers, we are to live abundant lives here on earth but it is the knowledge of God’s saving power that provides us with love, hope, and joy. Imagine a group of people stranded in the ocean. There is nothing but water as far as the eye can see. And to make matters worse, sharks have already been detected. What these people need is to be rescued. Now imagine the relief that would permeate through the group as they see the coast guard vessel making their way towards the group. At last, someone has come to rescue them and what seemed like devastation turns into a cause for celebration. That is what it is like to know that we have been rescued through faith in Jesus Christ. 

2. We Have Been Transferred

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

                                                                                                2 Corinthians 5:17 

Jesus tells us that, “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven” (John 3:3). There must be a spiritual transformation in our lives. There must be a time in which we move from our old self’s into the new creation that is found only in Christ. Well this spiritual transformation happens as we call on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13). And as we do so, God transfers us over into a new life given to us through the Spirit of God. We can now consider ourselves a part of the family of God, never to be orphaned or left alone again. This reality too brings Christian joy, the joy of belonging. 

3. We Have Been Redeemed

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

                                                                                                       2 Corinthians 5:18-19 

Redemption has got to be one of the most wonderful words that could ever be spoken. Redemption is God reconciling us to Himself through Jesus Christ. What we were powerless to do, He accomplished for us. And all of this is received by placing our faith and trust in Christ. Knowing that we are right with God and that our transgressions are no longer counted against us is at the heart of redemption. And as we acquire this reconciliation with God, we are to begin participating in the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, as we experience the marvelous love, grace, and mercy of God, we are to tell others about Him. 

4. We Have Been Forgiven 

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

                                                                                                                     Acts 13:38-39 

Finally, to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior means living in a state of forgiveness. Even when we find ourselves falling short of what we know should be, we can find forgiveness and a fresh start. This new opportunity reveals itself every morning. Just as Jesus instructed the disciples to have no limits on their willingness to forgive, He Himself is ready and willing to forgive, “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). 

Knowing that we have been rescued (saved), that we have been permanently transferred into God’s family, that redemption is ours, and that we are forgiven from all of our sin, this is what it means to have Christian joy. Are you living with this saving knowledge? If not, call on God today and receive salvation from Him. There are no substitutes for finding this kind of joy in your life!