Saturday, March 15, 2014
Galatians 2:20 I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
DEAR CHRISTIANS, ONE AND ALL, REJOICE
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, With exultation springing,
And, with united heart and voice And holy rapture singing,
Proclaim the wonders God has done, How His right arm the victory won;
How dearly it has cost Him!
Fast bound in Satan's chains I lay, Death brooded darkly o'er me,
Sin was my torment night and day, In sin my mother bore me;
Yet deep and deeper still I fell, Life had become a living hell,
So firmly sin possessed me.
My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining;
My will against God's judgment fought, No hope for me remaining.
My fears increased till sheer despair Left naught but death to be my share;
And hell to be my sentence.
But God beheld my wretched state Before the world's foundation,
And, mindful of His mercies great, He planned my soul's salvation.
A father's heart He turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently:
He gave His dearest Treasure.
He spoke to His beloved Son: "'Tis time to have compassion.
Then go, bright Jewel of My crown, And bring mankind salvation;
From sin and sorrow set them free,
Slay bitter death for them that they May live with You forever."
The Son obeyed His Father's will, Was born of virgin mother,
And God's good pleasure to fulfill, He came to be my Brother.
No garb of pomp or power He wore,
A servant's form, like mine, He bore, To lead the devil captive.
To me He spoke: "Hold fast to Me, I am your Rock and Castle;
Your Ransom I Myself will be, For you I strive and wrestle;
For I am yours, your Friend divine, And evermore you shall be Mine;
The Foe shall not divide us."
-- Martin Luther
