Blessed—Happy

William Langerak·2014-10-13

Langerak examines the biblical and theological relationship between the words 'blessed' and 'happy,' arguing that happiness is a scriptural concept central to Christian joy and comfort. Drawing on Reformed confessions like the Heidelberg Catechism and Belgic Confession, he demonstrates that true Christian happiness flows from covenant blessings and a proper understanding of God's grace, radically different from worldly notions of happiness.

Some might frown upon associating blessed with happy. To speak of a happy birthday or new year, much less a happy Christian might seem sensual and common, perhaps even profane, since happy is derived from the word hap, meaning fortune or chance. Besides, happy may not seem to describe accurately our life of continual death in this valley of tears. Therefore, if we are to speak of happiness in this life, isn't the word blessed more spiritual and appropriate? Happy is a perfectly good, biblical...

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Blessed—Happy

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