Penned in 1772–“There is a Fountain Filled with Blood”:
“E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die:
And shall be till I die,
And shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.”
What is the theme of your life? What is the overarching, all-encompassing, sum total purpose of your existence? For the believer, it’s “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism). Your understanding of your life’s meaning and purpose is defined by the Gospel of grace.
“A Christian is one who recognizes Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, as God manifested in the flesh, loving us and dying for our redemption; and who is so affected by a sense of the love of this incarnate God as to be constrained to make the will of Christ the rule of his obedience, and the glory of Christ the great end for which He lives.”
—Charles Hodge
“…remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
—Ephesians 2:12-13
Human beings have the tendency to look inward to find an identity or state of being of some sort—a theme for our lives. Something to cling onto to characterize ourselves. We see this exploding right now in the area of gender and sexuality but it is something we are all prone toward; be it identity in our career, marital status, parenthood (or lack thereof), financial standing, educational achievements—you name it, we are inclined in our flesh to “find ourselves” outside of God’s design for our affections—His glory and communion with Him.
As you interact with those outside of Christ, point to the redemption of your soul as the constant thread of joyful purpose for your life. Be an enthusiastic witness to His love, mercy, and grace that led and continues to lead you to repentance and the peace offered to you in Jesus. Share with them the hope of the Gospel, that their ever-changing pursuit of identity can eternally rest in the finished work of Christ as they trust in Him.
©2023 Sola Gratia Co, LLC (Elizabeth Allen)
