The Gospel

May 30, 2007

Lar,

More on the hard texts sometime tomorrow, but I came across this poem by John Newton. I am sure you have seen it, because C.J. Mahaney cites it in Living the Cross-Centered Life (I am reading through it again). I just had to post it. I want to encourage everyone to make sure they read it out loud–and with passion. Read with some fire! For these are very powerful words that are meant to stir both our thoughts and affections.

In evil long I took delight
Unawed by shame or fear;
Till a new object struck my sight
And stopped my wild career.
I saw one hanging on a tree
In agonies and blood;
Who fixed his languid eyes on me
As near his cross I stood.
Sure never till my latest breath
Can I Forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with his death
Though not a word he spoke.
My conscience felt and owned the guilt
And plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins his blood had spilt
And helped to nail him there.

Alas, I knew not what I did
But now my tears are vain;
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I the Lord have slain.
A second look he gave which said
“I freely all forgive;
This blood is for they ransom paid
I died that thou mayest live.”
Thus while his death my sin displays
In all its blackest hue;
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too.
With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled;
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by him I killed.”

May we take pains to continually marvel at God’s work in the gospel!

Thankful for the good news,
Joe

Posted by Joe | Filed Under Quotes 

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