He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

—Isaiah 53:3-6, ESV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

—Romans 15:13, ESV

Hope. Joy. Peace. What beautiful words!

For this purpose, then, the incorporeal and incorruptible and immaterial Word of God entered our world. In one sense, indeed, He was not far from it before, for no part of creation had ever been without Him Who, while ever abiding in union with the Father, yet fills all things that are. But now He entered the world in a new way, stooping to our level in His love and Self-revealing to us. He saw the reasonable race, the race of men that, like Himself, expressed the Father’s Mind, wasting out of existence, and death reigning over all in corruption. He saw that corruption held us all the closer, because it was the penalty for the Transgression; He saw, too, how unthinkable it would be for the law to be repealed before it was fulfilled. He saw how unseemly it was that the very things of which He Himself was the Artificer should be disappearing. He saw how the surpassing wickedness of men was mounting up against them; He saw also their universal liability to death. All this He saw and, pitying our race, moved with compassion for our limitation, unable to endure that death should have the mastery, rather than that His creatures should perish and the work of His Father for us men come to nought, He took to Himself a body, a human body even as our own. Nor did He will merely to become embodied or merely to appear; had that been so, He could have revealed His divine majesty in some other and better way. No, He took our body, and not only so, but He took it directly from a spotless, stainless virgin, without the agency of human father—a pure body, untainted by intercourse with man. He, the Mighty One, the Artificer of all, Himself prepared this body in the virgin as a temple for Himself, and took it for His very own, as the instrument through which He was known and in which He dwelt. Thus, taking a body like our own, because all our bodies were liable to the corruption of death, He surrendered His body to death instead of all, and offered it to the Father. This He did out of sheer love for us, so that in His death all might die, and the law of death thereby be abolished because, having fulfilled in His body that for which it was appointed, it was thereafter voided of its power for men. This He did that He might turn again to incorruption men who had turned back to corruption, and make them alive through death by the appropriation of His body and by the grace of His resurrection. Thus He would make death to disappear from them as utterly as straw from fire.

The Word perceived that corruption could not be got rid of otherwise than through death; yet He Himself, as the Word, being immortal and the Father’s Son, was such as could not die. For this reason, therefore, He assumed a body capable of death, in order that it, through belonging to the Word Who is above all, might become in dying a sufficient exchange for all, and, itself remaining incorruptible through His indwelling, might thereafter put an end to corruption for all others as well, by the grace of the resurrection. It was by surrendering to death the body which He had taken, as an offering and sacrifice free from every stain, that He forthwith abolished death for His human brethren by the offering of the equivalent. For naturally, since the Word of God was above all, when He offered His own temple and bodily instrument as a substitute for the life of all, He fulfilled in death all that was required. Naturally also, through this union of the immortal Son of God with our human nature, all men were clothed with incorruption in the promise of the resurrection. For the solidarity of mankind is such that, by virtue of the Word’s indwelling in a single human body, the corruption which goes with death has lost its power over all. You know how it is when some great king enters a large city and dwells in one of its houses; because of his dwelling in that single house, the whole city is honored, and enemies and robbers cease to molest it. Even so is it with the King of all; He has come into our country and dwelt in one body amidst the many, and in consequence the designs of the enemy against mankind have been foiled and the corruption of death, which formerly held them in its power, has simply ceased to be. For the human race would have perished utterly had not the Lord and Savior of all, the Son of God, come among us to put an end to death.

—St. Athanasius
On the Incarnation, Chapters 8 and 9

And are we yet alive,
and see each other’s face?
Glory and praise to Jesus give
for His redeeming grace.

Preserved by power divine
to full salvation here,
Again in Jesus’ praise we join,
And in His sight appear.

What troubles have we seen,
what conflicts have we passed,
fightings without, and fears within,
since we assembled last?

But out of all the Lord
hath brought us by His love;
and still He doth His help afford,
and hides our life above.

Then let us make our boast
of His redeeming power,
which saves us to the uttermost,
till we can sin no more.

Let us take up the cross
till we the crown obtain;
and gladly reckon all things loss,
so we may Jesus gain.

—Charles Wesley, 1749

Via: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

—9th Century Latin Hymn
Translated in 1851 by John Mason Neale

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

—Luke 2:8-14, ESV

Sing to Yahweh a new song;
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
Sing to Yahweh, bless His name;
Proclaim good news of His salvation from day to day.
Recount His glory among the nations,
His wondrous deeds among all the peoples.

—Psalm 96:1-3, LSB

The lovingkindnesses of Yahweh
indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“Yahweh is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I wait for Him.”

—Lamentations 3:22-24, LSB

Blessed be the LORD!
        For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
        in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
        and with my song I give thanks to him.

The LORD is the strength of his people;
        he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
        Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

—Psalm 28:6-9, ESV

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

—Romans 5:1-5, ESV

Lift up your heads, O gates!
        And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
        that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
        The LORD, strong and mighty,
        the LORD, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
        And lift them up, O ancient doors,
        that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
        The LORD of hosts,
        he is the King of glory! Selah

—Psalm 24:7-10, ESV

Ten Descriptions of Christ from the inspired human author (x10; vv. 1-4):

• v. 2 — Definitive voice of God
• v. 2 — Heir of all
• v. 2 — Maker of all
• v. 3 — Radiance of God’s glory
• v. 3 — Exact representation of God’s nature
• v. 3 — Upholds all by His word
• v. 3 — Purifier of sins
• v. 3 — Sat down (Priestly work complete)
• v. 3 — Co-equal w/Father in Majesty
• v. 4 — Better than totality of angels & Inheritor of more excellent Name

Twenty-four Descriptions of Christ from the Father (x24; vv. 5-14):

• v. 5 — My Son (Ps. 2:7)
• v. 5 — Today begotten
• v. 5 — I will be a Father to Him (2 Sam 7:14)
• v. 5 — He will be a Son to Me
• v. 6 — All angels worship Him (Ps 97:7)
• v. 8 — Inhabits everlasting throne (Ps 45:6)
• v. 8 — You are God
• v. 8 — You are King
• v. 8 — Righteous ruler/scepter
• v. 9 — Lover of righteousness (Ps 45:7)
• v. 9 — Hater of sin
• v. 9 — God is Thy God
• v. 9 — Anointed by God (Isa 61:3)
• v. 9 — Happiest of all
• v. 10 — You are LORD (Ps 102:25)
• v. 10 — You are forever
• v. 10 — You are Creator of earth (Ps 102:26)
• v. 10 — You are Creator of heaven
• v. 11 — You are indestructible (Isa 51:6)
• v. 12 — You will effect consummation (Ps 102:26-27)
• v. 12 — You are immutable
• v. 12 — You are eternal
• v. 13 — Enthroned at God’s right hand (Ps 110:1)
• v. 13 — Father will make enemies Thy footstool

Source: Media Gratiae

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

—Isaiah 41:10, ESV

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou, burning sun with golden beam
Thou, silver moon with softer gleam
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless
And worship Him in humbleness
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son
And praise the Spirit, Three-in-One
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

All the redeemed washed by His blood
Come and rejoice in His great love
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Christ has defeated every sin
Cast all your burdens now on Him
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

He shall return in pow’r to reign
Heaven and earth will join to say
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Then who shall fall on bended knee?
All creatures of our God and King
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

—Original words (v. 1-2) by St. Francis of Assisi, translated by William Henry Draper. Music, 16th Century German tune, adapted by Jonathan Baird and Ryan Baird. Add. words (v. 3-4) by Jonathan Baird and Ryan Baird. © 2013 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.

O lift your eyes to Heaven see
The Holy One eternal
Behold the Lord of Majesty
Exalted in His temple
As symphonies of angels’ praise
Now strain to sound His glory
Come worship, fall before His grace
The King in all His beauty

How worthy, how worthy
How worthy
The King in all His beauty

Now see the King who wears a crown
One made of shame and splinters
The sacrifice for ruined man
The substitute for sinners
As Earth is stained with royal blood
And quakes with love and fury
He breathes His last and bows His head
The King in all His beauty

How worthy, how worthy
How worthy
The King in all His beauty

Now see the Savior lifted up
The Lamb who reigns in splendor
The hope of every tribe and tongue
His kingdom is forever
Bring praise and honor to His courts
Bring wisdom, power, blessing
For endless ages we’ll adore
The King in all His beauty

How worthy, how worthy
How worthy
The King in all His beauty

—Matt Boswell, Matt Papa © 2019 Getty Music Publishing / Messenger Hymns / Getty Music Hymns and Songs / Love Your Enemies Publishing / Adm by MusicServices.org.

Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near,
Your Savior’s gracious promise hear;
His faithful Word you can believe:
That as your days your strength shall be.

Your faith is weak, your foes are strong,
And if the conflict should be long,
The Lord will make the tempter flee
That as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle’s fierce, but the victory’s won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

Should persecution rage and flame,
Still trust in your Redeemer’s name.
In fiery trials you shall see
That as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle’s fierce, but the victory’s won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

When called to bear your weighty cross
Or sore affliction, pain, or loss,
Or deep distress or poverty,
Still as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle’s fierce, but the victory’s won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

—Original words by John Fawcett (1782), additional words by Constance Dever. Music by Constance Dever. © 2018 Praise Factory Music / Sovereign Grace Worship / Sovereign Grace Music

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead,
Didst bear all ill for me.
A Victim led, Thy blood was shed;
Now there’s no load for me.

Death and the curse were in our cup:
O Christ, ’twas full for Thee;
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,
’Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup, love drank it up;
Now blessing’s draught for me.

Jehovah lifted up His rod;
O Christ, it fell on Thee!
Thou wast sore stricken of Thy God;
There’s not one stroke for me.
Thy tears, Thy blood, beneath it flowed;
Thy bruising healeth me.

The tempest’s awful voice was heard,
O Christ, it broke on Thee!
Thy open bosom was my ward,
It braved the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred;
Now cloudless peace for me.

Jehovah bade His sword awake;
O Christ, it woke ’gainst Thee!
Thy blood the flaming blade must slake;
Thine heart its sheath must be;
All for my sake, my peace to make;
Now sleeps that sword for me.

For me, Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee!
Thou’rt ris’n—my hands are all untied,
And now Thou liv’st in me.
When purified, made white and tried,
Thy glory then for me!

—Words by Anne R. Cousin. Music by Ira D. Sankey.

What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone.
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to Him belong.

Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand.

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death.

What truth can calm the troubled soul?
God is good, God is good.
Where is His grace and goodness known?
In our great Redeemer’s blood.

Who holds our faith when fears arise?
Who stands above the stormy trial?
Who sends the waves that bring us nigh
Unto the shore, the rock of Christ?

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death.

Unto the grave, what shall we sing?
“Christ, He lives; Christ, He lives!”
And what reward will heaven bring?
Everlasting life with Him.

There we will rise to meet the Lord,
Then sin and death will be destroyed,
And we will feast in endless joy,
When Christ is ours forevermore.

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death.

—Words and Music by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Matt Papa ©2020 Getty Music Publishing / Messenger Hymns / Jordan Kauflin Music / Matthew Merker Music / Getty Music Hymns and Songs / Love Your Enemies Publishing / adm at MusicServices.org — CCLI # 7147502

See the destined day arise!
See a willing sacrifice!
Jesus, to redeem our loss,
Hangs upon the shameful cross;
Jesus, who but You could bear
Wrath so great and justice fair,
Every pang and bitter throe,
Finishing Your life of woe?

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ, we praise Your name!

Who but Christ had dared to drain,
Steeped in gall, the cup of pain,
And with tender body bear
Thorns and nails and piercing spear?
Slain for us, the water flowed,
Mingled from Your side with blood;
Sign to all attesting eyes
Of the finished sacrifice.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ, we praise Your name!

Holy Jesus, grant us grace
In that sacrifice to place
All our trust for life renewed,
Pardoned sin, and promised good.
Grant us grace to sing Your praise
‘Round Your throne through endless days,
Ever with the sons of light,
“Blessing, honor, glory, might!”

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ, we praise Your name!

—Original words by Venantius Fortunatus, tr. Richard Mant, Public Domain
Alt. words, chorus, and music: Matthew Merker ©2014 Matthew Merker Music / Sovereign Grace Praise

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

—Words by Henry F. Lyte. Music by William H. Monk

Should nothing of our efforts stand,
No legacy survive
Unless the Lord does raise the house
In vain its builders strive

To you who boast tomorrow’s gain
Tell me what is your life
A mist that vanishes at dawn,
All glory be to Christ

All glory be to Christ our King,
All glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ

His will be done,
His kingdom come,
On earth as is above
Who is Himself our daily bread
Praise Him the Lord of love

Let living water satisfy
The thirsty without price
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
All glory be to Christ

All glory be to Christ our King,
All glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ

When on that day the Great I am,
The faithful and the true
The Lamb who was for sinners slain
Is making all things new

Behold our God shall live with us
And be our steadfast light
And we shall e’re His people be,
All glory be to Christ

All glory be to Christ our King,
All glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ

—Words: Dustin Kensrue. Music: Auld Lang Syne – Scottish traditional.
© 2012 We Are Younger We Are Faster / Dead Bird Theology
CCLI Song # 7008232

I hope this message will increase your love and adoration for our Wonderful Messiah.

For what we have done and left undone
We fall on Your countless mercies
For sins that are known and those unknown
We call on Your name so holy
For envy and pride, for closing our eyes
For scorning our very neighbor
In thought word and deed we’ve failed You our King
How deeply we need a Savior

Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us
Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us

For what You have done Your life of love
You perfectly lived we praise You
Though tempted and tried You fixed Your eyes
You finished the work God gave You
And there on the tree A King among thieves
You bled for a world’s betrayal
You loved to the end Our merciful friend
How pure and forever faithful

Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us
Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us

For hearts that are cold for seizing control
For scorning our very Maker
In thought word and deed we’ve failed You our King
How deeply we need a Savior

Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us
Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us
Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us
Lord have mercy Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on us

—Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Aaron Keys, and James Tealy
©2019 Getty Music Hymns and Songs / Love Your Enemies Publishing /
Getty Music Publishing / Messenger Hymns / My Eleiht Songs /
Adm. by MusicServices.org / Common Hymnal Publishing / 10000 Fathers /
Adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com

My Savior’s love
My Savior’s love
What could compare
What tongue could tell my Savior’s love

What tune could carry on its wings
The beauty of that final breath
What words dare paint the awesome scene
When God stood in the stead of man
When Jesus Christ the radiant One
Took on the shadows of our hate
Then rose again just as the sun
With light and power in fullest grace

My Savior’s love
My Savior’s love
What could compare
What tongue could tell my Savior’s love

And when in death this tongue is stilled
My song of life has reached the end
Though as a flower I may wilt
This everlasting truth will stand
No death or life could separate
Me from the love of Christ my Lord
This hope is sure from age to age

My Savior’s love
My Savior’s love
What could compare
What tongue could tell my Savior’s love

—Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Keith Getty
©2019 Getty Music Publishing / Messenger Hymns / Getty Music Hymns
and Songs / Love Your Enemies Publishing / Adm by MusicServices.org

Storms within my troubled soul
Questions without answers
On my faith these billows roll
God, be now my shelter
Why are you cast down my soul?
Hope in Him who saves you
When the fires have all grown cold
Cause this heart to praise You

And, oh, my soul, put your hope in God
My help, my Rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh, sing through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation

Should my life be torn from me
Every worldly pleasure
When all I possess is grief
God, be then my treasure
Be my vision in the night
Be my hope and refuge
Till my faith is turned to sight
Lord, my heart will praise You

And, oh, my soul, put your hope in God
My help, my Rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh, sing through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation

—Words and Music by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell
©2018 Getty Music Hymns and Songs / Love Your Enemies Publishing /
Getty Music Publishing / Messenger Hymns / Adm. by MusicServices.org

The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus means that one day everything sad will come untrue.

—J.R.R. Tolkien

First, it should be observed that the “five points of Calvinism,” so-called, are simply the Calvinistic answer to a five-point manifesto (the Remonstrance) put out by certain “Belgic semi-Pelagians” in the early seventeenth century. The theology which it contained (known to history as Arminianism) stemmed from two philosophical principles: first, that divine sovereignty is not compatible with human freedom, nor therefore with human responsibility; second, that ability limits obligation. (The charge of semi-Pelagianism was thus fully justified.) From these principles, the Arminians drew two deductions: first that since the Bible regards faith as a free and responsible human act, it cannot be caused by God, but is exercised independently of Him; second, that since the Bible regards faith as obligatory on the part of all who hear the gospel, ability to believe must be universal. Hence, they maintained, Scripture must be interpreted as teaching the following positions: (1.) Man is never so completely corrupted by sin that he cannot savingly believe the gospel when it is put before him, nor (2.) is he ever so completely controlled by God that he cannot reject it. (3.) God’s election of those who shall be saved is prompted by His foreseeing that they will of their own accord believe. (4.) Christ’s death did not ensure the salvation of anyone, for it did not secure the gift of faith to anyone (there is no such gift); what it did was rather to create a possibility of salvation for everyone if they believe. (5.) It rests with believers to keep themselves in a state of grace by keeping up their faith; those who fail here fall away and are lost. Thus, Arminianism made man’s salvation depend ultimately on man himself, saving faith being viewed throughout as man’s own work and, because his own, not God’s in him.

The Synod of Dort was convened in 1618 to pronounce on this theology, and the “five points of Calvinism” represent its counter-affirmations. They stem from a very different principle—the biblical principle that “salvation is of the Lord”; and they may be summarized thus: (1.) Fallen man in his natural state lacks all power to believe the gospel, just as he lacks all power to believe the law, despite all external inducements that may be extended to him. (2.) God’s election is a free, sovereign, unconditional choice of sinners, as sinners, to be redeemed by Christ, given faith and brought to glory. (3.) The redeeming work of Christ had as its end and goal the salvation of the elect. (4.) The work of the Holy Spirit in bringing men to faith never fails to achieve its object. (5.) Believers are kept in faith and grace by the unconquerable power of God till they come to glory. These five points are conveniently denoted by the mnemonic TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Preservation of the saints.

—J.I. Packer
Introductory Essay to John Owen’s Death of Death in the Death of Christ

I will not fear when darkness falls
His strength will help me scale these walls
I’ll see the dawn of the rising sun
The Lord is my salvation

Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the vict’ry won
The Lord is my salvation

My hope is hidden in the Lord
He flow’rs each promise of His Word
When winter fades I know spring will come
The Lord is my salvation

In times of waiting, times of need
When I know loss, when I am weak
I know His grace will renew these days
The Lord is my salvation

Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the vict’ry won
The Lord is my salvation

And when I reach my final day
He will not leave me in the grave
But I will rise,
He will call me home
The Lord is my salvation

Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the vict’ry won
The Lord is my salvation

Glory be to God the Father
Glory be to God the Son
Glory be to God the Spirit
The Lord is our salvation

—Words and Music by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Nathan Nockels, and Jonas Myrin
©2016 Getty Music Publishing / Sweater Weather Music / Capitol CMG Paragon / Son of the Lion

Christ, the sure and steady anchor while the tempest rages on,
When temptation claims the battle and it seems the night has won;
Deeper still then goes the anchor though I justly stand accused;
I will hold fast to the anchor; it shall never be removed.

Christ, the sure and steady anchor through the floods of unbelief;
Hopeless somehow, O my soul, now lift your eyes to Calvary.
This, my ballast of assurance; see His love forever proved;
I will hold fast to the anchor; it shall never be removed.

Christ, the sure and steady anchor as we face the wave of death,
When these trials give way to glory, as we draw our final breath;
We will cross that great horizon, clouds behind and life secure,
And the calm will be the better for the storms that we endure.

Christ, the shore of our salvation, ever faithful, ever true;
We will hold fast to the anchor; it shall never be removed.

—Music and Words by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
© 2015 Common Hymnal Publishing, 10000 Fathers, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Dayspring Publishing, LLC. CCLI #7045331

What patience would wait as we constantly roam,
What Father so tender is calling us home!
He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor;
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more.

Praise the Lord! His mercy is more!
Stronger than darkness, new every morn;
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more!

What riches of kindness He lavished on us;
His blood was the payment, His life was the cost.
We stood ‘neath a debt we could never afford;
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more.

Praise the Lord! His mercy is more!
Stronger than darkness, new every morn;
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more!

—Music and Words by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa © 2016 Messenger Hymns / Getty Music Publishing / Love Your Enemies Publishing. CCLI #7065053

Sinners here so poor and needy,
who would come and clear the guilty?
If you numbered all our sins, Lord, who could stand?

In my place He stood,
all my debt nailed to the wood.
All my stains washed white
by the blood of Christ, my life.

Justice satisfied at Cal’vry;
sin there silenced by His mercy.
Where, O death, is your reply to Christ, our King?

In my place He stood,
all my debt nailed to the wood.
All my stains washed white
by the blood of Christ, my life.

Saints, forgiven, sing to Jesus;
bow before the lamb slain for us.
Hallelujah to the Savior evermore!

In my place He stood,
all my debt nailed to the wood.
All my stains washed white
by the blood of Christ, my life.

—Words and Music by Matt Damico

—Romans 8:28-30, ESV

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!

—Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Michael Farren

Via: CityAlight

—The poem Love Lustres at Calvary from The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett

Mine are tears in times of sorrow
Darkness not yet understood
Through the valley I must travel
Where I see no earthly good
But mine is peace that flows from heaven
And the strength in times of need
I know my pain will not be wasted
Christ completes his work in me

Mine are days here as a stranger
Pilgrim on a narrow way
One with Christ I will encounter
Harm and hatred for his name
But mine is armour for this battle
Strong enough to last the war
And he has said he will deliver
Safely to the golden shore

And mine are keys to Zion city
Where beside the King I walk
For there my heart has found its treasure
Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul
For his love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore!

— Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson
CCLI 7036096

Via: CityAlight

—The poem New Year from The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett

Is all creation groaning?
(It is)
Is a new creation coming?
(It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?
(It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this?
(It is)

Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is

Does the Father truly love us?
(He does)
Does the Spirit move among us?
(He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves?
(He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us?
(He does)

Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this?
He is!
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
He is!
He is!

—Songwriters: Andrew Peterson / Ben Shive
Is He Worthy? Lyrics © The Bicycle Music Company, Music Services, Inc

Whate’er my God ordains is right,
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path,
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content, what He has sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away;
And patiently I wait His day,
And patiently I wait His day.

Whate’er my God ordains is right,
Though now this cup in drinking
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it all, unshrinking.
My God is true, each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart;
And pain and sorrow shall depart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.

Whate’er my God ordains is right,
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall;
And so to Him I leave it all,
And so to Him I leave it all.

— Samuel Rodigast (1675), tr. Catherine Winkworth (1829-1878)

Via: Matt Merker

Who could imagine so great a mercy
What heart could fathom such boundless grace
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Jesus, Yours is the victory!

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

—Songwriters: Phil Wickham / Brian Mark Johnson
Living Hope lyrics © Essential Music Publishing, Bethel Music Publishing

• Give Me This Mountain
• He Gave Us A Valley
• Living Sacrifice
• Living Faith
• Living Holiness
• Living Fellowship
• Living Stones
• Digging Ditches
• Enough
• Count It All Joy

Via: Desiring God

Persuading, Pleading, and Predestination: Human Means in the Miracle of Conversion

—Isaiah 55:10-11, ESV