Sunday Hymn: I Know Whom I Have Believed

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me he hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for his own.

Refrain

But “I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that he is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto him against that day.”

I know not how this saving faith
To me he did impart,
Nor how believing in his Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before his face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with him,
Or “meet him in the air.”

—Da­ni­el W. Whit­tle

Sunday Hymn: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

There several different tunes used for this one. Here are four, starting with the one I grew up singing. 

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
How he left the realms of glory
For the cross on Calvary.

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

I was lost: but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Raised me up and gently led me
Back into the narrow way.

Faint was I, and fears possessed me,
Bruised was I from many a fall;
Hope was gone, and shame distressed me:
But his love has pardoned all.

Days of darkness still may meet me,
Sorrow’s path I oft may tread;
But his presence still is with me,
By his guiding hand I’m led.

He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet:
Then he’ll bear me safely over,
Made by grace for glory meet.

—Francis H. Rowley

Theological Term of the Week: Solus Christus

solus Christus
One of five Latin statements that summarize the core teachings of the Protestant Reformation. It means “Christ alone,” and refers to the truth that salvation is based exclusively on the mediatorial work of Christ. His sinless life and substitutionary death are the sufficient and sole grounds on which those who are being saved receive all the benefits included in their salvation.

• From scripture:

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time (1 Timothy 1:5-6 ESV).

• From The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 8: 

Of Christ the Mediator

I. It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed,and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.

V. The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for those whom the Father has given unto Him.

VIII. To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.

• From Living For God’s Glory by Joel Beeke, page 144:

If you are a true son or daughter of the Reformation, Christ in His threefold office as Prophet-Priest-King will mean everything to you. The gospel is a gospel of solus Christus because, from beginning to end, it has everything to do with who Christ is and shat He accomplished outside of us, for us, in our stead. Do you love and live solus Christus? Do you love him in his person, offices, natures, and benefits? Is he your Prophet to teach you; your priest to sacrifice for, intercede for, and bless you; and your King to rule and guide you?

Have you learned to know Christ personally and experientially as your Savior and Lord? Have you learned that He is more than an example whom we should emulate, more than a martyr who is heroic, more than a psychotherapist who gives you health and wealth? Have you learned that, in terms of salvation, Jesus Christ is everything to you, a sinner?

Learn more:

1. Got Questions: Why is solo Christo important?
2. Logonier Ministries: Christ Alone
3. Steven Lawson: Solus Christus
4. D. Blair Smith: What Does “Solus Christus” Mean?
5. Steven Wellum: The Five Solas: Christ Alone
6. Steven Wellum: 5 Reasons Solus Christus Is at the Heart of the Five Solas

Related terms:

• five solas
• sola fide
• sola scriptura
• solus Christus
• soli Deo gloria

Filed under Salvation

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