Quotable

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior's blood?

Died He for me who caused His pain,

For me who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love, how can it be,

That thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

'Tis mystery all, the Immortal dies!

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

To sound the depths of live divine.

'Tis mercy all, let earth adore,

Let angel minds inquire no more.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature's night.

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light!

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth and followed thee!

—Charles Wesley

Beware of the pleasant view of the Fatherhood of God—God is so kind and loving that of course He will forgive us. That sentiment has no place whatever in the New Testament. The only ground on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ. To put forgiveness on any other ground is unconscious blasphemy. God can forgive sin and reinstate us in His favor [only] through the Cross of Christ, and in no other way.

Never build your preaching of forgiveness on the fact that God is our Father and He will forgive us because He loves us. It is untrue to Jesus Christ's revelation of God; it makes the Cross unnecessary; and the Redemption "much ado about nothing." God could forgive men in no other way than by the death of His Son, and Jesus is exalted to Saviour because of His death.

—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest