Surveying the Wondrous Cross

Surveying the Wondrous Cross

Over the years of my ministry I have frequently been asked to articulate what I believe regarding Jesus and what was accomplished for humanity by his crucifixion and suffering. Whenever I am asked I have come to rely upon the famous hymn by Isaac Watts, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.  I know of no other hymn that so clearly expresses what I have come to believe regarding these matters.

We love to argue over these things.  We act as though there is only one way to understand this mystery.  We give it a fancy name, Atonement, and we judge the authenticity of other's faith by whether they agree with us or not.  I try to avoid such silliness.

In this time of our personal trial as Terry toughs it out through chemo treatments, I find great comfort in these words.  The mingling of love and sorrow, the giving up of all vain things, the amazing love that demands my total devotion in response - these are the mysteries I see when I survey the wondrous cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.