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Joyful Now and ForeverThe Watchtower—1996 | February 15
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17, 18. In what sense does a paradise now exist, and what is the effect of this on us?
17 So we can look at Isaiah chapter 35, having in mind the current fulfillment of Isa 35 verses 1 to 8. Is it not clear that we have found what is rightly called a spiritual paradise? No, it is not perfect—not yet. But it truly is a paradise, for here we can already, as stated in Isa 35 verse 2, “see the glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God.” And what is the effect? Isa 35 Verse 10 says: “The very ones redeemed by Jehovah will return and certainly come to Zion with a joyful cry; and rejoicing to time indefinite will be upon their head. To exultation and rejoicing they will attain, and grief and sighing must flee away.” Truly, our having come out of false religion and our pursuit of true worship under God’s favor is joy inspiring.
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Joyful Now and ForeverThe Watchtower—1996 | February 15
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24. Why can you agree with the expression at Isaiah 35:10?
24 Isaiah assures us: “The very ones redeemed by Jehovah will return and certainly come to Zion with a joyful cry; and rejoicing to time indefinite will be upon their head.” So we can agree that we have reason to cry out for joy. Joy over what Jehovah is already doing for his people in our spiritual paradise, and joy over what we can expect in the literal Paradise near at hand. About joyful ones—about us—Isaiah writes: “To exultation and rejoicing they will attain, and grief and sighing must flee away.”—Isaiah 35:10.
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