HOW IS GOD ENJOYED IN THIS LIFE?

First, there is AN IMPERFECT ENJOYMENT OF GOD IN THIS LIFE; which consists of two things.

1. IN UNION WITH HIM, or a special saving relationship in Him, whereby God is their God by covenant.

By this union, Christ and believers are so joined, that they are one spirit, one mystical body. The whole man, soul and body, is united to Him, and, through the Mediator, unto God. This is the foundation of all saving enjoyment of God.

“But you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day.” – Joshua 23:8

2. IN COMMUNION WITH GOD, which is a participation of the benefits of that saving relationship, where the soul makes offerings to the Lord in the exercise of its graces, particularly of faith and love.

This is done in the disciplines of the Christian life, prayer, meditation, etc. in which the Lord graciously provides privileges for His people with manifestations of His grace and love, bestowing upon them the work of His Spirit, giving them many expressions of His kindness, and filling them with joy and peace in believing.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” – Psalm 34:8

“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:5