Though I Was a Child of Darkness
Home » Original Songs » Modern Hymns
Tags: God's Sovereignty in Salvation, Style: Somewhat TraditionalPosted by David L. Ward on July 25th, 2007
Description
The doctrine of election (the sovereignty of God in choosing whom He desires to save) is often accused of making evangelism unnecessary, unfruitful, or even pointless. It is reasoned that if God has already chosen who to save then why should we preach the gospel and try to persuade all men to repent and believe in Jesus? While the Bible affirms election (Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 9:8-24), it also affirms the personal responsibility of mankind to believe the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8) and the fact that God declares that all men, everywhere should repent (Acts 17:30). The two truths of God’s election and God’s call to salvation stand side by side in a glorious harmony that is beyond the comprehension of humans. This song moves from thanking God for causing us to be saved (affirming His sovereignty in our salvation) to how that truth should motivate us to missions. Election is actually the strongest motivation FOR missions since we have been told that God has chosen some to be saved from every nation (Revelation 5:9). If it were not for God stepping in to open blind eyes and allowing men to repent of their sin, no one would be saved. Praise God that because of His sovereignty in salvation preaching the gospel WILL bring men to salvation! Let this truth move us, individually, and corporately, to share our faith wherever God has called us.Lyrics
Verse 1:Though I was a child of darkness,
Slave to sin, wholly depraved,
By His grace and for His glory
God has called me to be saved.
He in mercy, through His Spirit,
Caused me to be born again,
Born to turn from sin to Jesus
And to find my rest in Him.
Verse 2:
Is there any greater comfort
Than to know this sov’reign Friend?
He ordained my true repentance,
And shall keep me to the end.
Should this sinful world or Satan
With their lies and pow’r besiege,
I will stand upon His promise,
Knowing He has chosen me.
Verse 3:
This should cause us to be humble,
When we see our helpless state;
For without His sov’reign kindness
We would meet a dreadful fate.
O, to know such lovingkindness:
Freely given, undeserved,
Moves us now to preach the Gospel
Until ev’ry land has heard.
Verse 4:
To fulfill His great commission
This assurance must be known:
The elect from ev’ry nation
Will surround the Savior’s throne.
We find strength to preach the Gospel
In this truth our Savior told,
That although His sheep are scattered,
He will bring them to His fold.
Verse 5:
Let us lift our songs to praise Him!
Give Him glory, for He reigns!
No! This world and all its kingdoms
Cannot thwart what He ordains.
O! What peace to know our Maker,
He who set the heavens' span.
He who granted us salvation
Shall uphold us in His hand.
© 2007 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues
This is one of the few newer songs that is well suited for congregational singing. Good meter, good melody, and sound words. Thanks.
What a beautiful song, and more importantly, upholds the sovereignty of God. What a gift to receive undeserved favor!! Thank you!
Beautiful song, so hard to find a modern song/hymn with such good substance
What an incredible song. We are a new church in Ridgewood, Queens NYC and look to uphold the 5 points of the Council of Dordt (as our church name TULIP would evidence). We constantly sing the songs from this site in our church. Our small remnant has been taught to treasure these truths and remain uncompromising in our time of worship through song. Thanks for keeping these songs solid.
This is my favorite of all your songs. Keep up the good work!
I look forward to teaching our congregation to sing this truth filled song. Praise God for the abilities he has given you.
AMEN AND AGAIN I SAY AMEN!!!!!
[...] 5. Let us lift our songs to praise Him! Give Him glory, for He reigns! No! This world and all its kingdoms Cannot thwart what He ordains. O! What peace to know our Maker, He who set the heavens’ span. He who granted us salvation Shall uphold us in His hand.HT: Reformed Praise [...]
Thank you for your ministry. Your willingness to share freely your gifts and abilities has ministered to our church here in Victoria, BC since, until recently, it has been very difficult to find solidly Biblical songs written today. Thank you for putting them on the web as well. Even as I prepared for our Sunday morning worship during which I will be preaching on proclaiming the gospel as Epaphras did in Colossae, 1:5-8 I was looking for an appropriate song to close our service with this focus. We will probably sing 'I will Lay My Sins on Jesus' from our hymnal but I listened again to this song and I was moved to tears as I rejoiced in the clear truth of the Word sung graciously and humbly. Thank you again.
Great text and good tune. Continue to use your gifts to serve Christ's church! We are singing this for the first time in my church this coming weekend!
[...] Hymn: Though I was a Child of Darkness [...]
Thank you, first of all, for allowing your music to be easily accessible AND free. Second, our congregation has really appreciated the change in our music since we have added so many of your theologically sound, substantial songs. God bless you richly.
Thank you God for songs of praise and worship in these last days, songs that bring us hope in your living word and promises for all who believe. May we not only believe, but do your commandments; may your will be done in us.