The Whole Gospel for the Whole Life

This morning’s service focuses on a simple, foundational theme: Jesus Christ comes to save His people, and to save them completely. Each of our Scripture readings is taken from the book of Isaiah, where the Lord promises to save “all the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45) and to clothe us with the garments of salvation (Isaiah 61). He becomes a Savior (Isaiah 63) even to people who did not seek Him (Isaiah 65), a people who can call their walls Salvation (Isaiah 60). This expansive vision is paralleled in the hymns All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name and There’s A Wideness In God’s Mercy, which tell of the “plentiful redemption” that is given to members of every kindred and tribe. The King In Your Strength Shall Be Glad (Psalm 21) and Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy both rejoice in a salvation that provides for the desires of the heart (“each wish his heart had” “ten thousand charms”). There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood declares that in His blood “all the ransomed church of God” shall be “saved to sin no more,” while Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus reminds us to tell of “His perfect salvation” to a world that is dying. We go out singing Man Of Sorrows, with its glorious refrain of “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” —Henry C. Haffner