Hymn: The Endless Song
This sermon celebrates the joy and praise of salvation, emphasizing the love and glory of God, and the ultimate outcome of salvation as bringing rest, joy, and freedom to creation.
John Nelson Darby shares the profound joy of salvation that resonates around the throne of God, where countless voices unite in praise of the Lamb. He describes the deep emotions and adoration that fill the heavenly courts, as saints reflect on God's love and glory. The sermon emphasizes the unity of creation in worship, the eternal song of praise that arises from the hearts of the redeemed, and the overwhelming joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as the source of salvation. Darby highlights the harmony and peace that salvation brings, allowing believers to rest in God's unwearied love.
Text
OH! the joy of the salvation We possess around the throne! Countless thoughts of admiration, Mingling, leave that joy but one. Hark! Ten thousand voices crying "Lamb of God!" with one accord; Thousand thousand saints replying - Bursts at once the echoing chord. Long, with free and glad devotion, Universal praise prevails; Till, blest fruit of deep emotion, Voice by voice in silence fails. Now, in wondrous adoration Dwelling on His matchless love, Swayed with power of that salvation, Silence fills the courts above.
Then, their richest thoughts unfolding, Each to each, with joy divine Heavenly converse blissful holding, Tells how bright His glories shine. Some on God's high glories dwelling, Brightly beaming in His face; Some His first-born greatness telling - Ordering all things in their place: These - of Godhead's counsels deep Him th'Accomplisher proclaim; These - how Jesus' self could weep, Of Godhead's love the Witness came. All on love surpassing rest, That clothed in flesh the great I AM; Till, from one heart, divinely prest, Bursts forth at length the loud exclaim - "Praise the Lamb!"
At once awaking, The gathered hosts their voices throng; Loud and wide - each tongue partaking - Rolls renewed the endless song. Grateful incense this, ascending, Rises to the Father's throne; Every knee to Christ is bending; All the mind in heaven is one. All the Father's counsels claiming Equal honours to the Son; All the Son's effulgence beaming - Glory of His Father's throne. By the Spirit all-pervading, Radiant hosts unnumber'd round, Breathing glory never-fading, Echo back the blissful sound.
Joyful now the wide creation Rests in undisturbed repose; Blest in Jesus' full salvation, Sorrow now nor thraldom knows. Rich the streams of bounty flowing- Common blessings from above, Life and holy joy, bestowing - Tell of God's unwearied love. Hark! the heavenly notes again! Loudly swells the air-borne praise; Throughout creation's vault, "Amen!" "Amen!" responsive joy doth raise.
Sermon Outline
- Joy of Salvation
- Possessing salvation around the throne
- Countless thoughts of admiration and joy
Key Quotes
“Hark! the joy of the salvation We possess around the throne!” — John Nelson Darby
“All the Father's counsels claiming Equal honours to the Son;” — John Nelson Darby
“Joyful now the wide creation Rests in undisturbed repose;” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- As we experience the joy of salvation, let us join in the universal praise of God's love and glory.
- We should recognize the equality of honors between God the Father and Jesus the Son, and give equal glory to both.
- Salvation brings rest, joy, and freedom from sorrow and thraldom, so let us rest in Jesus' full salvation.