NAILED TO THE CROSS

     It is always amazing to see how God chooses to use all sorts of people for His glory.  Imagine a woman who had no musical abilities, could not even carry a tune, but had a special gift of poetic rhythm.  Such was the case with Carrie Elizabeth Ellis Breck (1855-1934) who God used to write more than 2,000 poems many of which were turned into hymns by gifted musicians. Brought up by God-fearing parents, she cannot remember when Bible reading and prayer were not her daily home custom. From the days of her youth Carrie E. Breck wrote verse and prose for religious and household publications.  A wife and mother to five daughters she was not particularly robust in health and had to take frequent rests while doing chores. According to Breck, "I penciled verses under all conditions; over a mending basket, with a baby on my arm, and sometimes even when sweeping or washing dishes," she recalled. "My mind moved in poetic meter."  It was in 1899 that she penned the lyrics of this week's hymn choice. The tune was composed by Grant Colfax Tullar (1869-1950). A Methodist minister and evangelistic song leader who had a successful music printing business. Mrs. Breck often sent her poems to Mr. Tullar so that he could provide music for them. Some of their most famous collaborations are the songs, "Shall I Crucify My Savior?" and "Face to face with Christ, my Savior".  This week's hymn choice is a hymn that emphasizes the fact that we can have forgiveness of sins because of what Jesus did at the cross.  Like most of Breck's poems, this one is simple, straightforward, and unpretentious. It's based on a passage from the epistle to the Colossians:  "He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:13-14, NIV).  The hymn text is simple in the same way that the Gospel is simple. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so our sins are forgiven.  The first verse reminds us that all of our past sins can be forgiven.  The second verse shares that we no longer have any condemnation.  Verse three reminds us that our future can be filled with hope.  And the chorus continues to remind us of the importance of the fact that Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross for our sins.  Rejoice in this hymn and these simple but profound words during this Easter season.

1. There was One Who was willing to die in my stead,

That a soul so unworthy might live;

And the path to the cross He was willing to tread,

All the sins of my life to forgive.

They are nailed to the cross! They are nailed to the cross!

Oh, how much He was willing to bear!

With what anguish and loss Jesus went to the cross,

But He carried my sins with Him there.

2. He is tender and loving and patient with me,

While He cleanses my heart of the dross;

But "there's no condemnation", I know I am free,

For my sins are all nailed to the cross.

They are nailed to the cross! They are nailed to the cross!

Oh, how much He was willing to bear!

With what anguish and loss Jesus went to the cross,

But He carried my sins with Him there.

3. I will cling to my Savior and never depart,

I will joyfully journey each day,

With a song on my lips and a song in my heart,

That my sins have been taken away.

They are nailed to the cross! They are nailed to the cross!

Oh, how much He was willing to bear!

With what anguish and loss Jesus went to the cross,

But He carried my sins with Him there.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN