This morning’s devotional stroll brought me to a signpost erected by J. I. Packer in his book, Knowing God [1]. The marker featured a stanza composed by Augustus Toplady (1740-1778). Those who have cut their spiritual teeth on old and venerable worship lyrics may recognize him as the author of Rock of Ages. However, the lines which met my eyes this morning were unknown to me. So, with keyboard in hand I went on a search which resulted in the discovery of From Whence This Fear and Unbelief. Since tomorrow, on some church calendars, will be “Ascension Thursday,” the timing seemed especially right to share my discovery.
Here, then, is the full text of this hymn which first appeared in 1772.
From whence this fear and unbelief?
Hath not the Father put to grief
His spotless Son for me?
And will the righteous Judge of men
Condemn me for that debt of sin
Which, Lord, was charged on Thee?
Complete atonement Thou hast made,
And to the utmost Thou hast paid
Whate'er Thy people owed;
How then can wrath on me take place,
If sheltered in Thy righteousness,
And sprinkled with Thy blood?
If thou hast my discharge procured,
And freely in my room endured
The whole of wrath divine;
Payment God cannot twice demand,
First at my bleeding Surety's [2] hand,
And then again at mine.
Turn then, my soul, unto thy rest!
The merits of thy great High Priest
Have bought thy liberty;
Trust in His efficacious [3] blood,
Nor fear thy banishment from God,
Since Jesus died for thee.
[1] As a part of my daily
devotional journey this year, I am working my way through a devotional guide
made up from excerpts from Packer’s book.
[2] Surety – a title for Jesus
who is the one who guarantees (makes sure) the forgiveness and salvation of
those who trust Him.
[3] Efficacious – that which
actually accomplishes that for which it is intended.
No comments:
Post a Comment