I came across this question recently, “What Bible doctrine gives you the most joy?”. We don’t usually think of doctrine as something which gives us joy. Many doctrines of God are deep and keep our minds occupied trying to discover the truth of the matter. We think of the doctrine of the Trinity. How can God be one and yet three? The doctrine of the atonement is controversial even now. What exactly did Jesus do on Calvary? How did Jesus accomplish what he did? For whom did he die? These questions can leave us baffled and humbled. But what about joy?

What doctrines give us joy? I hope that all the doctrines of God can give us joy in some way. When we consider the incomprehensible unity in diversity of our Triune God, we should find joy in the community they share and the community which they share with us. When we consider the incredible work of the atonement, we should be overjoyed that all our needs are supplied and all our debts are paid. Even though we don’t understand all God has done for us nor all that was needed to be done, we can rejoice that God is victorious over sin for his people.

But which doctrine gives the most joy? Maybe the doctrine of the church is the one which gives the most joy. When we think of the doctrine of Heaven, we can only imagine what will be. When we consider the doctrine of the church, we behold the glory that is now. Ephesians 3:10-11 says, “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Look at what Christians enjoy in the church now. We get to enjoy and proclaim the wisdom of God. We get to be a part of God’s eternal purpose. We get to enjoy being the result of God’s work accomplished in Christ for us.

Let us rejoice in Bible doctrine. Let us rejoice in the application of Bible doctrine. Let us rejoice in God.