2023 #1
Jesus Saves!
What is the essence of the Christian message? If, as the apostle Paul says, we have been given the “message of reconciliation” as “Christ’s ambassadors” (II Corinthians 5:19-20), then what is the message that we have? What word do we have to this culture from the person we represent?
Jesus Saves!
Our message and marching orders are encapsulated in this great hymn of our faith from the nineteenth century. The lyrics were written by Priscilla Owens and the music by William J. Kirkpatrick. The hymn was first published in Songs of Redeeming Love in 1882.
In the lyrics, there is an outward focus to the message. Since we have heard and responded to the message that Jesus saves, we are to take it out: “Spread the tidings all around”…”Tell to sinners far and wide”. There is also a reminder that there will be opposition to our message: “Sing above the battle strife”. But, in the midst of strife and opposition, the final line, and its (for me) most memorable speaks to the eventual triumph through Christ: “This our song of victory: Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!”
Even though this hymn was first published in the nineteenth century, it still deserves a place in our services today. It can serve in a third position in the worship order in a regular service and in the second position in a service dedicated to evangelistic outreach.
Click the link to hear a congregation singing this great hymn!
Mark Riser - Apologist 