I was listening to a sermon by Alistair Begg today. It was a Truth For Life Daily Program podcast. The sermon title was Citizens of Heaven.
During the sermon, Pastor Begg mentioned the Anglican minister, Augustus Toplady, and a hymn he penned, viz., A debtor to mercy alone.
What a remarkable hymn and a fantastic first stanza.
A debtor to mercy alone, of covenant mercy I sing; nor fear, with your righteousness on, my person and off’ring to bring. The terrors of law and of God with me can have nothing to do; my Saviour’s obedience and blood hide all my transgressions from view.
Pastor Begg spent time on our identity. Our identity as Christian. Our identity in Christ.
The terrors of the law and the terrors of God! Imagine if you did not possess the assurance of salvation, knowing that God preserves His saints. But more than that! That last line, says it all, my Saviour’s obedience and blood hide all my transgressions from view. Tears welled up when I heard that for the first time.
Knowing the distortion caused by Adam’s sin (original sin), and the manipulation caused by indwelling sin in us, with the distraction associated with actual sin, we should be terrified of God’s law and of God. Absolutely terrified of the righteous God. But, in Christ, having an identity in Christ means our transgressions which should be punished by death are hidden by the blood and obedience of Christ. Praise God!
I urge you to listen to this sermon which is broadcast in two parts.
A second chance 