Usually we supply the titles of our sermons ahead of time, and various musicians in our church take turns picking the hymns. Upon seeing that I was preaching on repentance, a somewhat unfamiliar (at least to our church) hymn was chosen that struck me like a ton of bricks as we sang it. In fact, it seemed to capture so well what I wanted to communicate that I had the congregation sing it again at the close of the service.
Charles Wesley must have looked at my sermon notes when he penned the words to "Depth of Mercy," because it reflects the three aspects of repentance that I pointed out. There is a true understanding of what sin is, how it is capital rebellion against the God of the Universe, sin for which Jesus Christ died. Repentance also includes a deep and genuine remorse and sorrow for sin, not just contrition or shame at being caught. Finally, repentance manifests a desire to seek pardon and to turn from one's sin. Thank you, Mr. Wesley: I couldn't have said it better myself.
Depth of Mercy
Charles Wesley
Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?
I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.
I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
And profaned His hallowed Name,
Put Him to an open shame.
If I rightly read Thy heart,
If Thou all compassion art,
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Pardon and accept me now.
Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood!
He disarms the wrath of God;
Now my Father’s mercies move,
Justice lingers into love.
There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.
Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.
Charles Wesley must have looked at my sermon notes when he penned the words to "Depth of Mercy," because it reflects the three aspects of repentance that I pointed out. There is a true understanding of what sin is, how it is capital rebellion against the God of the Universe, sin for which Jesus Christ died. Repentance also includes a deep and genuine remorse and sorrow for sin, not just contrition or shame at being caught. Finally, repentance manifests a desire to seek pardon and to turn from one's sin. Thank you, Mr. Wesley: I couldn't have said it better myself.
Depth of Mercy
Charles Wesley
Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?
I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.
I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
And profaned His hallowed Name,
Put Him to an open shame.
If I rightly read Thy heart,
If Thou all compassion art,
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Pardon and accept me now.
Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood!
He disarms the wrath of God;
Now my Father’s mercies move,
Justice lingers into love.
There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.
Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.
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