Christ's Eternal Joy in the Habitable Earth and Its People

The Eternal Word, whom Proverbs names as Wisdom, rejoiced in advance at the habitable parts of His earth—not for their splendor, but for their souls. Among all creation, this insignificant globe was singled out as the stage for redemption. The Son of God's joy did not arise from contemplating human misery or guilt. Rather, when His mind's eye surveyed earth's inhabited regions, He saw men ruined by sin and purposed their salvation. His atonement became the chief ground of His eternal joy because it would glorify His Father and secure good for His people. This rejoicing occurred before the Incarnation itself. The Redeemer knew the world would be wet with His tears and stained with His blood, yet He delighted in mankind above the angels. Why such paradoxical joy? Three reasons converge: First, earth was destined as the place where He would perform His most wonderful works—obtaining His greatest victory and making the most glorious display of His moral perfections. Second, the habitable earth would become the residence of His future Church, with congregations established everywhere. Third, His chief delights were with men because He intended to become man Himself. This doctrine offers reproof to careless, Christless sinners and consolation to believers: Christ's joy in our redemption preceded our very existence.