23rd April 2025
The joy of his salvation
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 65:17-25 (NIV)
The darkness of the tomb has been shattered. The silence of death has been broken by the triumphant cry, ‘He is risen!’ On the glorious Easter morning, we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has defeated death and ushered in the promise of new life.
The empty tomb is more than a miracle — it is the fulfilment of God’s promise to renew all things, to bring about a new heaven and a new earth where weeping and sorrow will be no more, and joy and gladness will reign forever.
This is the joy of salvation — a joy that flows from the heart of our faithful and loving God. Through Jesus, we have been given not just hope for today, but the promise of a future where every tear will be wiped away, and every cry of distress will be silenced. Easter reminds us that God is making all things new.
The resurrection of Jesus is the turning point of history. It is the moment when death is conquered, and life begins anew. It is the first glimpse of the new heavens and the new earth that Isaiah prophesied — a world where pain and sorrow are replaced by joy and celebration. This is not just a future promise but a present reality. In the risen Christ, we see the firstfruits of God’s kingdom breaking into our world.
Through the resurrection, Jesus gives us the joy of salvation. It is a joy that cannot be taken away, even in the face of hardship or loss. It is the joy of knowing that death is not the end, that sin has been defeated, and that God’s love has triumphed. This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep and abiding confidence in the faithfulness of God, who fulfils all His promises.
The header scripture paints a picture of what this new creation will look like — a place of gladness, where God’s people will rejoice forever. A place where life flourishes, relationships are restored, and peace reigns. The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of this new creation. It is the assurance that the brokenness of our world will one day be healed, and that God’s kingdom will come in its fullness.
On Easter Sunday, we celebrated the victory of our faithful and loving God, who has given us the joy of salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us live as resurrection people, filled with hope, proclaiming the good news that God is making all things new. And let us hold fast to the promise that one day, there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death — only joy and gladness in the presence of our God.
Rejoice, for Christ is risen! Through Him, our faithful and loving God gives us the joy of His salvation. Alleluia!
This study is an amended transcript of an equipping video to empower and inspire Grace Communion International congregations around the world to live and share the gospel. It has been produced by the Home Office Team in Charlotte, NC, USA, and was first published in the 28 February 2025 edition of the Equipper publication.
Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church