Each day of Lent I am publishing one of Charles Wesley's hymns or poems. In my experience, the selection of Charles Wesley's hymns that we actually use in worship is very small. This is sad, because his hymns are filled with deep theological truths and great beauty.
Use these as a part of your Lenten disciplines, and share any thoughts or reactions in the comments.
Lent Day 35
How Can We Sinners Know
(United Methodist Hymnal #372)
1.
How can we sinners know
our sins on earth forgiven?
How can my gracious Savior show
my name inscribed in heaven?
2.
What we have felt and seen,
with confidence we tell,
and publish to the ends of earth
the signs infallible.
3.
We who in Christ believe
that he for us hath died,
we all his unknown peace receive
and feel his blood applied.
4.
We by his Spirit prove
and know the things of God,
the things which freely doth impart
and signs us with his cross.
5.
The meek and lowly heart
that in our Savior was,
to us that Spirit doth impart
and signs us with his cross.
6.
Our nature's turned, our mind
transformed in all its powers,
and both the witnesses are joined,
the Spirit of God with ours.
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1 comment:
I have on on-going discussion at my site on what it means to be a Christian, and I think this hymn sums it up - it's the sanctification, stupid. It isn't about doctrine, or moral living, or for whom we vote, or whether we support the fetus. It's about the inner assurance, living one's life in the light and hope of the faith we hold in our hearts.
As we journey to Easter, and through Good Friday (and what, exactly, is Good about a horrendous, unjust execution?), I think it is necessary to remind ourselves that we do not journey alone. Unlike Jesus, who faced this final trial on his own, we are accompanied by the presence of God, and that makes all the difference in the world.
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