Looking back in time, one my favorite seminary professors was Dr. Gary Parrett. Among other things, Gary taught us to appreciate the mediums of poetry and music for their Christ-exalting potential. Following is one of many such songs that he has written.
There is none good but God alone.
Not one of us is righteous.
We spurned God’s Way and sought our own,
and so have become worthless.
What hope, then, can we see?
Christ Jesus: only He
the path of life has trod,
to love both man and God.
Yes He alone is worthy.
(Mk. 10:18; Rom. 3:9-23; Isa. 53:6; 1Jn. 2:1; Rev. 5)
Scripture alone reveals these things;
thus do the Fathers witness.
Good News of life and light it brings
to those now lost in darkness.
For from this sacred Word,
what wonders we have heard:
God’s grace in Christ revealed.
By His stripes we are healed.
We glory in the Gospel!
(2Ti. 3:15-17; 2Pe. 1:19-21; Lk. 24:25-27; 45f;
Tit. 2:11; Isa. 9:2; 53:5; 1Ti. 1:11)
In Christ alone is all our trust
for full and free salvation.
With His own blood He ransomed us
from ev’ry tribe and nation.
For us He lived and died.
Now, at the Father’s side,
full knowing all our needs,
our High Priest intercedes.
He lives to make us holy.
(1Ti. 5-6; Acts 4:12; 1Pe. 1:19; Rev. 5:9;
Heb. 2:11; 7:25; 9-10; Rom. 8:28-39)
And now by faith alone we stand
in Christ, our risen Savior,
who has fulfilled each just command
and made us just forever.
In Him is all our peace
and life that cannot cease.
By no work of our own,
but all of grace alone,
have we become God’s people.
(Ro. 3:28; 5:1-2, 15-19; Eph. 1:4-5;
2:5-10; 1Pe. 2:9-10)
For not by human pow’r or might,
but only by God’s Spirit,
do we begin to glimpse the light
of all we shall inherit.
The new life He imparts
transforms our hardened hearts.
Our race, by faith begun,
in faith must still be run.
Christ set us free for freedom!
(Zec. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:2, 11;
2Co. 3:17-18; Gal. 3:2-3; 5:1, 7, 16-18, 25)
Above all pow’rs abides the Word,
God’s mighty Word that frees us.
Through prophets and apostles heard,
for us made flesh in Jesus.
No other word we speak,
nor human glory seek.
All earthly schemes must fail.
God’s Kingdom shall prevail.
To God alone be glory!
(Jn. 1:1, 14; He. 1:1-2; 2:1-4; 1Pe. 1:23-25;
Rev. 4:11; 11:15; Ps. 145:13; Ro. 11:36; Isa. 42:8)
Text: Gary A. Parrett, 2008, 2009
Tune: EIN’ FESTE BURG
