Wednesday, October 5, 2016

A Debtor to Mercy Alone

 A song that has been stuck in my head and heart this week is from an 18th century Anglican turned French Calvinist preacher. Augustus Toplady wrote a few books and several hymns in addition to his pastoral ministry. 

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The work which His goodness began'

The arm of His strength will complete; 
His promise is yea and amen, 
And never was forfeited yet. 
Things future, nor things that are now, 
Not all things below nor above 
Can make Him His purpose forego, 
Or sever my soul from His love.

What comforting words to be reminded that salvation, our salvation is entirely of God. There is nothing we can do to earn his favor, nor thwart his favor because it is to his mercy and grace that we are indebted. To cling to the promises of Romans 8 that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus is a comfort to my soul. 


My name from the palm of his hand

Eternity will not erase.
Impressed on His heart it remains 
In marks of indelible grace. 
Yes, I to the end shall endure, 
As sure as the earnest is given 
More happy, but not more secure, 

The glorified spirits in heaven.

To know that we are love and cherished by our heavenly Father strengthens our hearts and reminds us that our salvation is secure because it is not guaranteed by us but by Him who alone is able to keep us until that day. Our eternity is secured because of the work of Jesus on the cross! Hold to that promise today if you find the waters of this life beating you down and causing you to question God's faithfulness and provision.