Well, way back a LONG time ago, Mr. Hippie decided to teach the boys a new hymn every few weeks. And he didn't pick little Sunday School ditties either. And that is when I first heard this hymn that has become one of my favorites.
The perfect righteousness of God
Is witnessed in the Saviour's blood;
'Tis in the cross of Christ we trace
His righteousness, yet wondrous grace.
God could not pass the sinner by,
Justice demands that he should die;
But in the cross of Christ we see
How God can save, yet righteous be.
The judgment fell on Jesus' head,
'Twas in His blood sin's debt was paid;
Stern Justice can demand no more,
And Mercy can dispense her store.
The sinner who believes is free,
Can say, "The Saviour died for me:"
Can point to the atoning blood,
And say, "This made my peace with God."
The Perfect Righteousness of God was penned by Albert Midlane, sometime in the mid to late 1800s. Mr. Midlane was born, lived and died on the Isle of Wight. He wrote over 300 hymns and 1100 poems, the first of which was published when he was 17 years old. He was most known for a popular children's hymn that he wrote in 1859, There's a Friend for Little Children. It was translated into many languages around the globe.
I love The Perfect Righteousness of God because of the deep theology it embodies. It tackles the thoughts of justice being served and mercy being extended. It shows how this mercy is based on Jesus Christ's innocent blood being shed on the cross, thus meeting God's standard of righteousness. It demonstrates that there can be no peace without the (sin) problem being dealt with. Through the cross, all the facets of God's character were shown and were satisfied.
His wrath and love. His anger and judgment. His righteousness and atonement. His justice and mercy. His holiness and sacrifice. His grace and peace.
And that is a profound thought!
What's your favorite hymn or Christian song? Why? Leave me a comment.
