Yesterday night I share a comment in Sue Nash blog about a hymn song called “To God Be the Glory” This hymn song became one of my favorite songs from the hundreds favorite hymn song and I will use as my wedding theme song on December later. Why I and my fiancé choose this song? Because first, this song always reminds us How marvelous God’s work and also gives special place to the Free Grace position—that salvation is provided as a gift from God to everyone who will place his or her faith in Christ, regardless of one’s sins before or after conversion. The second reason, this is our gratitude to Lord Jesus Christ who has been gave us wonderful and marvelous blessing in our life. This evening I am pleased to share our reflection of this song. Here’s…..
When we observe and ponder this song, there are several aspects of this beloved composition set it forth not only as a hymn of praise, but also as a hymn of grace. From the outset, it is clear that Fanny J. Crosby ascribes all credit to God for His work (“great things He hath done”), with no role for man’s efforts in God’s great plan. In the first stanza, it is Jesus alone who opens the life gate of salvation, so that all have the opportunity to be saved. This is a clear message of grace, in contrast to the idea that man must prove his worth before eternal life is granted.
However, it is in the second stanza that Crosby most clearly sets forth the conditions for entrance through this gate—faith, and faith alone. Note that redemption is promised to “every believer” ( John 3:16), and that regardless of the magnitude of one’s sins, even “the vilest offender” who puts his or her faith in Christ, such as the criminal crucified with Christ (Luke 23:43) or Saul of Tarsus (1 Tim 1:15), will immediately receive pardon from Jesus.
The third stanza and chorus continue to bring this point of grace home, proclaiming that it is God who has done great things, and the One to whom praise and adoration belong. As is evident here, as well as in her other hymns, Fanny J. Crosby were a great woman of God who clearly understood the importance of God’s marvelous grace in salvation. The act of love on the cross which made this possible is truly reason to “Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!” Let us indeed rejoice in our salvation provided so freely by Christ Jesus!
Fanny J.Crosby wrote this song lyric based on Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
To God be the glory, great things He hath done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life, an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate, that all may go in.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer, the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see!
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) William H. Doane (1832-1915)
Karina – Kevin Lam
Watch and listen this great Hymn song “To God Be the Glory”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3qcyNUqdxA&list=RD02NKex7c7DzMA
With permission from Greg Howlett this music will be use in our holy matrimony
Photo credit: christianwallpaper.com
Karina's Thought 