I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. – Luke 15:7
Salvation Changes Lives
In 2000 my wife and I were introduced to a college student. Every night since she was 15, she would drink to get drunk. She had bruises up and down her arms where she hit herself.
After meeting us, she got worse. She would run out into traffic trying to get hit by a car. She would fall to the ground unresponsive and bang her head on the concrete floor. Although she knew she needed help, she had a lot of difficulty finding it.
As you can imagine, this is a long story crammed into a short version. One night she decided to give her life to Jesus. It was a completely dramatic moment, and it was followed by much rejoicing by each of us.
Her life wasn’t completely better, but it was a turning point where momentum was moving her toward better and better.
Salvation Offers Hope
Eight years earlier I meet another college student. He was a typical freshman guy just entering college. He was looking forward to joining a frat, going to parties, and meeting girls. I befriended him and convinced him to check out a Bible study I was leading in my dorm.
I don’t remember any significant Gospel presentation, but one night he called me down to his room. My only explanation was the love of God was overwhelming him where he had to respond. Tears were flowing freely down his face as he said he needed what I had. I led him to ask Jesus to come in.
Salvation Gives Us Belonging
My own moment of decision was much less dramatic. I already considered myself a Christian and had been going to a Bible study for about a month. But at a Christian concert, I was faced with a question about asking Jesus as Lord of my life. I couldn’t remember ever doing that, so I told Jesus I wanted Him.
While others went to the front, I stayed in my seat. I made no outward display of change, but from that moment on, I knew I was God’s.
Why Does Heaven Rejoice At Salvation?
The Bible says that at each of these occasions, there was great rejoicing in heaven. The question I want to explore today is why. Why does heaven rejoice when when we come to salvation?
I think the answer to this question will greatly help your prayers and will keep you in the joy of your salvation throughout your life.
Salvation is Like the Birth of a Baby
Salvation is similar to when a child is born. We celebrate the birth of the new born baby, but while that is a happy day, we are not celebrating that experience; we are celebrating what that moment means.
When my daughters were born, their births were the start of walking through this life together. The celebration was not just for the joy of getting to hold a little baby in my arms. I was faced with the realization that I would get the joy of walking these girls through many life stages, the joy of watching them grow up and become women who would impact this world.
Salvation is Greater Than Getting to Heaven
So often we think of salvation as this great moment where we gain passage to heaven when we die. While there is some relief that we are no longer faced with eternity in hell, heaven rejoices that God’s loved one has embraced His love. A journey together has begun. Doors of communication have been opened. The potential for which that person was created can be worked on together.
God doesn’t rejoice on the day of your salvation, then move on to the next person to be saved. The continued journey with you is the reason of His rejoicing. He knows why you were created because He put those things in you. He is desiring to work with you to bring them out.
The Joy of Your Salvation
Prayer is so much more than a list you recite each morning. It is connecting with your Heavenly Dad that is celebrating who you are becoming. He is excited for you. He is excited about you. Life is an exciting adventure because God is with you every step of the way.
I pray that the joy of this salvation overwhelms you. Every moment of every day can be experienced with God. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you have done, God wants to be with you. Let’s turn to Him today. Ask Him how He wants to connect with you today. Expect Him to answer… because He is rejoicing over you.