For you--a vile sinner, a rebel worm!
(David Harsha, 1827-1895)
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"HE loved me, and gave HIMSELF
up for me!" Galatians 2:20
Ponder the amazing love exhibited in the death
of CHRIST. Would you see the highest manifestation
of eternal love? Then contemplate CHRIST crucified!
Here is the grand exhibition of infinite love.
In the crucifixion of the glorious REDEEMER,
the brightest love that ever shone on earth
is displayed.
What boundless love is seen here--
the infinite love of CHRIST, shining
in all its glory!
What but infinite love brought HIM . . .
from the height of glory and bliss--
to the depths of suffering;
from the throne of Heaven--
to the cross of Calvary!
What but infinite love, made HIM
a suffering man and a dying SAVIOR!
What but infinite love, made HIM hasten
to Jerusalem to suffer for rebellious sinners!
What but infinite love, led HIM to Gethsemane
to endure those agonies for sinners, where HIS
blessed form was covered with bloody sweat!
What but infinite love, nailed HIM to the cross,
there to bleed and die for sinners!
"Greater love has no man than this, that
a man lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15:13)
But oh! the greatest wonder in the universe
is that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST
died for us!
Think of this, wonder at it, be amazed at it!
CHRIST, the glorious SON of GOD--
dying for you, a vile sinner, a rebel worm!
O admire that love which pitied you in your
lost condition, visited your world, and raised
you from the depths of sin and suffering--
to become an heir of eternal life and
of eternal glory!
How vast is this love!
The all-surpassing love of a dying SAVIOR!
YOUR breadths and lengths have never
been compassed by a human thought;
YOUR depths never fathomed by a created intelligence;
YOUR heights never scanned by a seraph's gaze!
Stupendous love!
What a theme--
the dying love of the crucified SON of GOD!
Well may angels desire to dwell on this mystery!
Well may saints be enraptured with
this profound subject!
What heart is so obdurate as not to be
melted by its touching exhibition--
or so benighted as not to be dazzled by its glory!
How wonderful!
That HE who kindled up the stars of Heaven--
should take upon HIM our nature, and
die in our room and stead!
Amazing love!
This is the wonder of wonders--
the unsearchable riches of CHRIST!
Truly, the love of CHRIST surpasses knowledge!
Those, and those alone, who have stood
by the cross and viewed IMMANUEL
in agonies and death, bleeding and dying
for their sins; and have felt that healing
balm applied to their diseased souls;
and have seen all their sins washed
away with the blood of GOD, their
ransom paid, and their pardon sealed--
will appreciate the astonishing love of CHRIST!
"When we were GOD'S ENEMIES,
we were reconciled to HIM through
the death of HIS SON" Romans 5:10
"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 agony and blood,
Who fixed HIS languid eyes on me,
As near HIS cross I stood.
Surely, never to my dying 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 your ransom paid;
I die, that you may 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!"
(John Newton)
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