In a sermon he preached on the Magnificat, Calvin said that "our soul's eternal salvation depends on God's exercise of his marvelous power... it is God who rescues us from the depths of hell and from sin's curse, and who brings us to the hope of salvation. We contribute nothing." There's no greater affirmation of this doctrine than the simple verse found in today's passage from the psalter:
Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!
✙ Ps. 3:8 ✙
The grace of God is both deliverance and blessing. We need faith in none other, for there is no other hope that can bring true comfort, and no other love that can bring us through to the other side.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to thy cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace.
Foul, I to the fountain fly—
wash me, Savior, or I die.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to thy cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace.
Foul, I to the fountain fly—
wash me, Savior, or I die.
Augustus Toplady, Rock of Ages Cleft for Me
And so I pray in your Name as you taught me...
