Tuesday, January 25, 2005

What Is Union with Christ?

I have to confess that I grew up somewhat despising hymns. Part of the problem was that there were sung in such a lifeless, dull manner. But as I've grown older, I come more and more to appreciate their theological depth and breadth.

Here is a wonderful old hymn that beautifully teaches that truth that God's chosen people are united to Christ and therefore receive all of the benefits and joys of his salvation:

1. 'Twixt Jesus and the Chosen Race
Subsists a bond of sov'reign grace,
That hell, with its infernal train,
Shall ne'er dissolve, or rend in twain.

2. This sacred bond shall never break,
Though earth should to her center shake;
Rest, doubting saint, assured of this,
For God has pledged His holiness.

3. He swore but once the deed was done;
'Twas settled by the great Three One;
Christ was appointed to redeem
All that the Father loved in Him.

4. Hail, sacred union, firm and strong
How great thy grace, how sweet the song,
That rebel worms should ever be
One with incarnate Deity!

5. One in the tomb, one when He rose,
One when he triumphed o'er His foes
One when in heav'n He took His seat,
While seraphs sung at hell's defeat.

6. Blessed by the wisdom and the grace,
Th' eternal love and faithfulness,
That's in the gospel scheme revealed,
And is by God the Spirit sealed.