If any persons have contributed a mite to their own salvation, it was more than we could do. If any were obedient and faithful to the first calls and impressions of his Spirit, it was not our case. If any were prepared to receive him beforehand, we know that we were in a state of alienation from him. We needed sovereign, irresistible, grace to save us, or we had been lost forever. If there are any who have a power of their own, we confess ourselves poorer than they are.
We cannot watch, unless he watches with us; we cannot strive unless he strives with us; we cannot stand one moment unless he holds us up; and we believe we must perish after all unless his faithfulness is engaged to keep us. But this we trust he will do; not for our righteousness, but for his own name’s sake, and because having loved us with an everlasting love, he has been pleased in loving kindness to draw us to himself, and to be found of us, when we sought him not. (By John Newton; from the Doctrines of Election and Final Perseverance; excerpted from a letter.)
(Look at this. Reads like a hymn, doesn't it. Also by John Newton.)
I saw One hanging on a tree, in agonies and blood; who fixed His languid eyes on me, as near His cross I stood. Sure, never 'til my latest breath, can I forget that look. It seemed to charge me with His death, though not a word He spoke.
My conscience owned and felt the guilt, and plunged me in despair; I saw my sins His blood had shed, and helped to nail Him there. Alas, I knew not what I did, but all my tears were vain; where could my trembling soul be hid, for I the Lord had slain! A second look He gave, that said, I freely all forgive. This blood is for thy ransom paid, I died that thou mayest live.
(Finally, I present to you perhaps the greatest of all hymns, also penned by John Newton.)
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, hut now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The LORD has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But GOD, who called me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
When we've been there 10,000 years,
Bright shining as the sun;
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we'd first begun.
Amen!!
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