We sung the hymn below last Sunday evening. These lines “Thy cross, not mine, O Christ, has borne the awful load of sins that none in Heav’n or earth could bear but God,” reminded me of the words from Titus 3:5, I’ve highlighted them. Read back a few verses, how relevant God’s word is to us right now and how important to read the context of familiar texts.
Titus 2:11- 3:8
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Thy works, not mine, O Christ, speak gladness to this heart;
They tell me all is done; they bid my fear depart.
To whom, save Thee, who canst alone
For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?
Thy pains, not mine, O Christ, upon the shameful tree,
Have paid the law’s full price and purchased peace for me.
To whom, save Thee, who canst alone
For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ, has borne the awful load
Of sins that none in Heav’n or earth could bear but God.
To whom, save Thee, who canst alone
For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?
Thy death, not mine, O Christ, has paid the ransom due;
Ten thousand deaths like mine would have been all too few.
To whom, save Thee, who canst alone
For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?
Thy righteousness, O Christ, alone can cover me:
No righteousness avails save that which is of Thee.
To whom, save Thee, who canst alone
For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?
Horatius Bonar
Cyberhymnal
Whatever Things ... 