[068]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – ESTABLISHED NOW AND CHANGED
This poem is made up of couplets and each couplet is a contrast. What we were, to what God has made us to become. For example, in the first stanza, a member of the world system, but now, a member of the Body of Christ.
The last two couplets are not contrasts, but they are us established in Christ.
One old hymn says “On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” We are established in our Lord Jesus Christ forever on the Rock of Ages.
I love a stanza of another hymn – “Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace.” (Rock of Ages)
I did check the NASB for the word “establish” and there are a number of verses using it, but this one in particular I will share – {{Romans 16:25 “Now to Him WHO IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past”}}. There is no one who can establish us in salvation, in Christian growth, and in eternal security, other than our blessed Lord who loves us with an everlasting love.
To close I give one of the poem’s couplets:-
Now accepted, once rejected;
Through His grace we are perfected.
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ESTABLISHED NOW AND CHANGED
In the world but now not of it;
In the Body and part of it.
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Now accepted, once rejected;
Through His grace we are perfected.
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In the gutter, stumble and grope;
In the Saviour, perfect hope.
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Looking to hell because of sin;
Looking to Christ dwelling within.
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In garments of filth we were dressed;
In linen now, how we are blessed!
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See the City now before us!
See how love and mercy saved us!
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In hopelessness we were apart;
In salvation, a brand new start.
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Praise the God who planned redemption.
Through His blood, there’s no exemption.
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In the Saviour, there forever
In the Lord, nothing can sever.
AMEN
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Completed 26 June 2021 R E Ferguson 8-8 throughout