Growing up I can remember hearing this grand old hymn sung over and over. The words ring true and there is a simple message that goes deep into the soul. It depicts every believer, for it tells the truth of life before Christ. It was selfish and vain and cared nothing for the things of God, and what Jesus did for us on Calvary.
“Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.”
–William R. Newell
The power of God’s Word is seen in this grand old song. It is God’s Word that shines on our life to show sin. It is God’s Word that convicts and helps us recognize that we are in a terrible way unless we turn to Jesus and the Cross. The Holy Spirit always uses the precious Word of God, even if it is only a small seed.
“By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.”
At Calvary, we give up our lives as well. Gone is the selfish ambition. Broken are the bonds of slavery to the world. All the curse of sin is broken at Calvary. It was finished on the Cross; the blood was shed, and now there is hope for new life.
“Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus ev’rything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary.”
What is it that is now on your mind? Are you still enthralled with the things of the world or have you truly given to Jesus everything? Are you thinking of material things, the desire for the world or have you now turned to thoughts of heaven? If you truly have been to Calvary, then our thoughts change. Our soul sings continual praises to and about God.
“Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that bro’t it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary.”
Mercy was great, grace was free–there was nothing we could do to earn it, for Jesus paid the price on Calvary. Think of your life; it has all been pardoned. The soul, once heavy with sin is now free because of Calvary. Talk about excitement! That chorus just has to be read (and some of your are probably singing) again!
“Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary.”