Arise, My Soul

Arise, My Soul

Text: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)

Introduction

Charles Wesley’s hymn “Arise, My Soul, Arise” is a call to lift our hearts from guilt, doubt, and fear into the bold assurance we have in Christ Jesus.

Like Hebrews 4:16, the hymn beckons us to rise and come confidently before the throne of grace. Today, we will allow each verse of this hymn to guide us into a deeper understanding of salvation, assurance, and victory in Christ.

1: Shake Off Guilty Fears

“Arise, my soul, arise; Shake off thy guilty fears; The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears.”

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1–2 KJV)

Guilt is a heavy chain that Satan uses to bind the soul.

But Christ’s blood has already been shed, His sacrifice already made.

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:2 KJV)

Illustration: Like a prisoner who keeps rattling his chains though the door has already been opened, many believers live under guilt when freedom has already been purchased.

Transition: When we see Christ standing for us, our fears fade and faith begins to rise.

2: The Surety of a Better Testament

“Before the throne my surety stands, My name is written on His hands.”

“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” (Hebrews 7:22 KJV)

Jesus is our Advocate.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1 KJV)

Our names are engraved on His hands, the very hands pierced for our sins.

“And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” (Zechariah 13:6 KJV)

Illustration: Think of a lawyer who knows every detail of his client’s case. Christ knows us personally and defends us perfectly.

Transition: Because Christ is our surety, we can move from fear into prayer with boldness.

3: Bold Access to the Throne

“Five bleeding wounds He bears, Received on Calvary; They pour effectual prayers, They strongly plead for me.”

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19 KJV)

Contrary to some modern day, preachers that believe they have some perfect insight, other than what the word of God says, Christ’s wounds are not reminders of defeat, but of victory.

His blood does not cry out for vengeance as Abel’s did, but for mercy, pardon, and grace.

“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:24 KJV)

Unlike Abel’s blood, which cried out from the ground for vengeance (Genesis 4:10), Christ’s blood cries out for mercy, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Every drop of blood shed at Calvary pleads on our behalf for mercy and grace, granting us bold access before the throne of God.

Illustration: Like a royal seal that opens the door to the King’s presence, the wounds of Christ are the seal of our access to God.

Transition: This access is not temporary—it secures our ongoing fellowship with God.

4: The Father Hears Him Pray

“The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One; He cannot turn away The presence of His Son.”

“And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” (John 8:29 KJV)

When Christ intercedes, the Father always listens.

“And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 11:42 KJV)

We stand accepted not because of who we are, but because of who Christ is.

Illustration: A child may not be heard in a crowded courtroom, but if the judge’s own son speaks, the court grows silent. So it is when Jesus prays for us.

Transition: Since the Father always hears the Son, we have full assurance of His love.

5: No Condemnation Now I Dread

“My God is reconciled; His pard’ning voice I hear; He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear.”

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1 KJV)