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This Song Will Never Cease



O little lamb.  I know the journey has been long and the road hard for you.  I know the perplexity of life and the thunderous waves of competing voices make it so difficult to hear the only Voice that matters.  But do not fear, little one.  Do not fear.

Sometimes you thought you were holding on by a mere thread, with just the tip of a finger above water.  You could barely utter a prayer, nay even a word.  All you could offer was the wordless, inner groaning of faith.  And in moments of weakness you thought He might let go.  No.  Never.  As sure as God lives.  I say again, as sure as God lives, He will not let go.  He will not lose one.  Nothing will snatch you out of His hand.  Nothing.  These obstacles of despair are only an illusion because this world, and the things in it, and the desires of it, are passing away.  You are His and the water beneath your feet is as solid as crystal.  He has already overcome the world and so you have overcome—through faith.

In your dark moments, the darkest even, when all hope was lost, when your closest companions were guilt and shame, fear and regret, rejection and the scoffing of others, He was there.  He was closer.  When tears were your bread and trembling your cup, He sustained you with manna from Heaven, which is the true Bread of Life.  Did He not die when we were yet sinners?  Did He not bear all your sin upon the tree?  Does His love not burn even into the very pit of the grave for you?

You are not lost.  You are found.  Because you believe.  And nothing will separate you from His love.  Let no one deceive you.  Listen to the only Voice that matters.  That Voice proclaims: you are sealed with the Spirit of Life, you were bought with a price.  And in your fleshly frailty and weakness you know not the value you are to Him whose Voice is the only Voice that matters.  Listen.  And do not flail, but rest, for you are keeping His works, not your own.  And this is the work commanded to all men: that they believe in the One whom God has sent.  For he who believes in that One has already passed from death to life, but he who does not believe stands condemned already.

There is no condemnation for you.  Only righteousness.  You are righteous even as He is righteous.  You walk with God in the cool of the day and at night He alone is your blanket.  He sustains you in your rising up and your lying down.  Even as you wrestle with the flesh that seems so clearly condemned, know that your spirit is perfect.  You are a new creation in Him whose Voice you know.

And soon and very soon, very soon indeed, your broken body will be made right, clothed in a garment of brilliant white and crowned with a garland of glory, and with new eyes you will indeed see God, and triumphantly declare, "I am a child of God and He has lavishly loved me!"

Welling up inside of you and all the redeemed is a song that the angels long to hear.  They cannot understand or comprehend it in its fullness.  But Heaven will soon ring with its echos.  O little lamb, you have known the depths of darkness, the torment of sin within and without, the pain of betrayal, the despair of mortality, and the groaning of the righteous in an unrighteous world.  And you, along with your brothers and sisters, each dearly beloved, are about to experience the traversal from utter darkness to total light.  When your faith becomes sight and the mortal is swallowed up in immortality, then the song will arise from within you that shall never cease.

Now you will see what God did to create in you a song that never ceases—a free will offering of endless praise that comes from those who've known both total depravity and the eternal weight of glory—and the infinite gulf between the two.  And you will see how there was no other way for immortal God to fully demonstrate His limitless love, but to Himself die for His friends, the lost lambs, among whom you were once.  But you are lost no more.  You are found.

And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?'  But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.  I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.  Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep!  See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.  He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.  The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.  And when He had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.  Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.  And they sang a new song, saying:

'You are worthy to take the scroll
   and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
   and with your blood you purchased us for God
   from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
   and they will reign on the earth.'

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.  In a loud voice they were saying:

'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
   to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
   and honor and glory and praise!'

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
   be praise and honor and glory and power,
forever and ever!'



- - -

I was pondering upon the testimony of all the Christian songs and hymns that have been written over the past two millennia, and it dawned on me that I can't recall a single one, modern or ancient, that is compatible with anything other than sola fide in terms of salvation.  That actually gives me goosebumps when I think about it.  Consider how many thousands and thousands of hymns have been penned by worshipful believers over the centuries. Now, I'm not saying there isn't a solitary one somewhere out there with lyrics saying otherwise, but virtually all of them, from all traditions—even from denominations that teach something other than the gospel—have lyrics that proclaim salvation is from God alone.

And doesn't that make perfect sense?  Worship is other-directed adulation.  Works-righteousness is the very antithesis of worship because it implies glory and praise to someone other than God (or that God's glory in salvation is to be shared).  But all the glory and praise belongs to God alone because salvation belongs to the LORD.

- - -

Songs Legalists Can't Sing:

Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus,   Before The Throne Of God Above,   Speechless,   No Longer Slaves,   Resurrecting,   There Is Power In The Blood,   In Christ Alone,   Amazing Grace,   The Wonderful Cross,   Hope To Carry On,   We Delight,   Cornerstone,   Listen To Our Hearts,   Your Love Is Extravagant,   Voice Of Truth,   Sweetly Broken,   Be Thou My Vision,   My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less,   How Many Kings,   Give Me Jesus,   Are You Washed In The Blood,   There Is A Redeemer,   Shifting Sand,   Leaning On The Everlasting Arms,   Blessed Assurance,   Who Can Satisfy?,   Your Love Never Fails,   Welcome Home,   Worthy Is The Lamb,   This Is How It Feels To Be Free,   Because He Lives,   The Old Rugged Cross,   God So Loved,   Above All,   This Is Amazing Grace,   That's How You Forgive,   Wonderful Merciful Savior,   Call Upon The Lord,   Trust In Me,   I Wanna Sing,   What A Savior,   How Beautiful

- - -

"Thankful" by Caedmon's Call

I ran across an old box of letters
While I was bagging up
Some clothes for Goodwill
You know I had to laugh
That the same old struggles
That plagued me then
Are plaguing me still
I know the road is long
From the ground to glory
But a boy can hope
He's getting some place
But you see, I'm running from
The very clothes I'm wearing
And dressed like this
I'm fit for the chase

No, there is none righteous
Not one who understands
There is none who seek God
No not one, no not one

I am thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own

'Cause we're all stillborn
And dead in our transgressions
We're shackled up
To the sin we hold so dear
So what part can I play
In the work of redemption
I can't refuse, I cannot add a thing

'Cause I am just like Lazarus and
I can hear your voice
I stand and rub my eyes
And walk to you
Because I have no choice

I am thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own
I'm so thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own

It's by grace I have been saved
Through faith that's not my own
It is the gift of God and not by works
Lest anyone should boast


Post A Comment

51 comments:

  1. That was a real blessing to me Gary. Thanks so much for composing that beautiful message.

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  2. Thank you, Gary! I needed this message today. Hallelujah!!!

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  3. Lovely, straight to the heart...

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  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Speechless!

    3 And I heard a loud voice from
    the throne saying, "Behold, the
    dwelling place of God is with
    man. He will dwell with them,
    and they will be his people,
    and God himself will be with
    them as their God.

    4 He will wipe away every tear
    from their eyes, and death
    shall be no more, neither
    shall there be mourning,
    nor crying, nor pain anymore,
    for the former things have
    passed away."

    (Revelation 21:3-4 ESV)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "He will dwell with them,
      and they will be his people,
      and God himself will be with
      them as their God."

      Longing for that day... just like the Garden again, but before sin, and it will stay that way for eternity because of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Hallelujah.

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  6. For me, this was a well-timed post from the LORD. Thank You, Father. And thanks for being a willing vessel, Gary.

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    Replies
    1. I sensed in the Spirit there were some who were needing this right now. Amen!

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  7. Ahhhhhh...so soothing to my weary waiting soul. "Soon, soon little one. I am coming soon."

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  8. I believe that was one of the most beautiful responses to 1 Thessalonians 4:18 I've ever read. Thank You! Maranatha

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    Replies
    1. Encourage one another with these things! (:

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  9. Amen. The faith we have in the finish work Christ did on that dirty Roman cross gives us life beyond comprehension.

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  10. Oh, Gary, thank you with tears streaming down my face. It felt and sounds as though it came directly from the Heart of God and I have no doubt it did. Beautiful, beautiful - necessary for life! Blessings - Sherry

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  11. I read it all out loud with tears of joy and peace! Gary, what a blessing. Thank you so much! Oh how HE loves us. ❤️

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  12. Could barely get to the end being blinded by tears. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee......I find myself really looking forward to seeing our Savior receive all that our Heavenly Father has promised Him. Our Heavenly Father will give His Son the Throne of His father David in Jerusalem, and He will rule over the House of Jacob forever and His Kingdom will be everlasting. I can't wait to see all His enemies made His footstool. So much to look forward to ! I want to see our Savior receive all the things He so richly deserves. To Him be ALL the glory.

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    Replies
    1. I love those moments of deep intimacy with the Father, when the Spirit falls upon you and God's love brings you to uncontainable joy, where the only outlet in these fleshly bodies is tears. Praise God!

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    2. So true. It seems I shed tears a lot more often now because all the signs the Lord is sending us give me great joy because it means He is going to take us out of this terrible world sooner than we think.

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  13. Thank you, Gary, and all at Unsealed for always honoring our Lord. Thank you for teaching me so many things. I am so grateful to God and you for this website.

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  14. Beautiful. So glad to be a partner with you in the gospel, my brother (Php. 1:3-11).

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    Replies
    1. Grateful for you, too, brother, and for all these brothers and sisters God has graciously given me. I long for us all to be with Him!

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  15. Very timely encouragement! Today has been inexplicably more wearisome. Thank you for the beautiful reminder and aid in focusing on Him Who sustains us. We are truly made to worship Him, for when we lift Him up, it is balm for our souls as well.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, indeed. Worship puts us in the proper mindset with God, recognizing how small, but loved we are, and how great He is.

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  16. Yes, the 10 plagues of Egypt are coming back.

    https://causeaction.com/2019/01/06/rivers-around-world-turn-blood-red/

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  17. Thank you for this precious message - such a needed encouragement.

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  18. You may have answered a question I have had about who is saved among all the denominations, some seeming to be so far away from the saving truths of the Word. I have always been troubled by so many who have been so close yet still not quite there. If the people of these denominations are hearing the songs, God can touch their hearts and save them from their music! What beautiful irony!! So typical of our wonderful God who quietly works in ways we don't know!

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    Replies
    1. I'm grateful to hear that! If you get a chance, check out these two articles, as they might round it for you regarding denominations and how the gospel can be found in almost every one:

      The Year In Review (Specifically under #6 in the section "Rightly Dividing (Again)")

      The Called Out Ones

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  19. Oh Gary. Your words “You could barely utter a prayer, nay even a word. All you could offer was the wordless, inner groaning of faith.“ hit the bullseye. I feel relieved that I’m not the only one feeling this way. Almost like a paralysis. I see what’s happening in this world and I don’t even know what to pray - other than a tearful “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For your love, your sacrifice, your grace, your Spirit that comforts me, your healing, and your Promises.” All we have to cling to is those promises!

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    1. Amen and amen to ALL said above by All (Gee, that was easy) but MY moment seems best nested under Deekabee's. Surely our Watch-es have gotten a bit more interesting, of late, as the Enemy's action seems to be erupting in close proximity to my own, and many other Watcher's own sections of the wall, as noted. As we've wrestled with the synchronicity of 'in but not of'; 'residents here but citizens there'; et al, I suppose not surprising that, nothing new under the sun, the dynamic remains, nay, intensifies, Praise Him! Maranatha!

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    2. Your words really resonated with my mind and spirit, Deekabee. I was just talking to a Sister the other day and we were saying the same thing. My friend said she couldn't even form the words in her mind to pray anymore, but prayed that God would never take the ability to praise Him from her and that she was just doing that constantly. I was surprised, but not surprised, because I had just been uttering the same prayer to the
      Lord for the past week or so. And especially thanking Him for the Holy Spirit, who prays for me when I can't.

      Thank you so so much, Gary. Hadn't been to your site in a few days, which isn't normal. What a beautiful and timely piece. God Bless you and keep you until we all meet with the Lord in the clouds. Maranatha!

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  20. Dear Brother Gary

    Our only hope is the blood of Christ.

    The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7)

    If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1: 8)

    All that we need to do is confess our sins.

    To the churches in Revelation the only thing the Lord said was Repent, Repent & Repent.

    For a relationship between a husband and wife to be strong each of the spouse takes care not to hurt one another and if they fail they ask sorry and rectify their wrong doing.

    Similarly in our walk with the Lord we fail so many times. No one can say that he is perfect. But all that we need to do is to feel sorry for our sins, confess them to our Lord and we are cleansed.



    “Godly sorrow produces Repentance leading to Salvation “ ( 2 Corinthians 7:10)


    Godly sorrow for our sins is the work of the Holy Spirit;

    Whereas guilt is the work of the devil.


    When we repent for our sins and confess them to the Lord we are totally forgiven. The Lord remembers it no more. Only the devil tries to bring guilt of forgiven sins.

    Repentance is an ongoing process in our relationship with the Lord.

    The Lord taught us to pray :
    “ Father Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”
    Just as we daily ask for bread, we can ask forgiveness for the sins we commit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it is important to ask forgiveness and pursue fellowship when we sin in the flesh, but it is important to fully understand:

      1. Jesus was the once for all sacrifice for sins (Heb. 10). You are not unsaved each time you sin in the flesh (as Roman Catholicism teaches). You are still saved, so long as you have a genuine faith in Christ.

      2. It is generally agreed by [Christian] biblical scholars "repentance/repent" is a poorly translated and misunderstood concept. A literal translation from the Greek metanoia, would be akin to "to change one's mind, to change's one's heart, convert." That's why the word can apply equally to both God and man. It isn't about feeling sorry, amending one's ways, or making things right. Only God can amend your ways and make things right. Repentance is simply to turn back to God (i.e. change your mind about God and what He says about you and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ).

      What is Repentance?

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    2. We are not unsaved, but each time we sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and gives us a godly sorrow for it. Instead of living a life of guilt and losing our peace, we can confess our sins to the Lord and be forgiven and be restored with the joy of salvation

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    3. Yes, very true! AMEN.

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  21. Our God is God who never changes.

    But there is one thing that can change God and that is Repentance.

    When the people of Nineveh repented for their sins, and turned from their evil way, God relented from the disaster that He said He would bring upon them and He did not do it. ( Jonah 3:10)

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  22. you clowns still going on about this? Jesus isn't gonna come back, get it through your thick heads, the bible is mythology, no man like the Jesus depicted in the bible ever walked the earth. Satan isn't real, your lives are meaningless and death is permanent. Of course you won't take that seriously because you're all a bunch of clowns, and unsealed.org is your circus tent. http://www.jesusneverexisted.com/

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    Replies
    1. I'll happily be a clown or whatever else you want to call me for the LORD's sake.

      For 22 years I've served Jesus and never has He done me any wrong. He has been faithful and true and has delivered me time and time again. And He is very, very real.

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    2. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psalm 14:1

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    3. Dear Unknown,

      May you be unknown no longer. May you be fully known by Christ, and may you know Him and His love. May the LORD Jesus release you from the chains of the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. May the LORD bless you and keep you, bringing you to himself. May all these things be done to glorify the name of Christ.

      In Jesus' name,
      Amen

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    4. Lol ... "no man like the Jesus depicted in the bible ever walked the earth."

      Lol ... Here's his photograph on his burial cloth right in mid resurrection. Oh the irony of this in light of those through the past roughly 2,000 years who declare his non-existence. Isn't it just like God to leave the doubting Thomas of life a picture.
      https://endtimesdarknessdescending.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/the-miraculous-image-on-the-shroud-of-turin-the-conclusive-final-say/

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    5. END TIMES: DARKNESS DESCENDS.

      That was a great article you wrote about the shroud. Thank you.

      Yeah it is pretty irrefutable evidence that Jesus is who the Bible says he is.

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  23. Gary, that was really nice. I know all these facts, but the way you wrote it was beautiful and it seemed to crescendo until I was in full worship halfway through. Thank you. Because you mentioned a song, I wanted to quickly share a rapture dream that I had a few days ago. I'll get right to the point. I was inside at a church gathering and a great gust of wind came upon the whole gathering and everyone was looking around confused, but I knew what it was. I said, "We are going home people!!" Across the room, I saw the first couple people raise their arms and then start being lifted up. I was so full of joy and love and warmth, but there was still room for a stray thought, "I sure hope I start going up soon" :) I did (whew!) and I was in this personal light tunnel going up and up and I was the happiest I had ever been. Then I heard this beautiful voice and I knew it was Jesus. He was singing this incredible simple yet beautiful song and he kept repeating the same verse, "My friend is coming home, my friend is coming home, my friend is coming home, my friend is coming home" I realized he was talking about me. He was even more excited to be with me than I with Him. I hadn't really thought about that before. It was about that time, I thought---wait, I think this is a dream and I started saying no, no, no, as I woke up. I don't know how much of the dream was from God and how much was just my thoughts, but I'll take it. Our King is coming back and he is most eager to take us home. Thanks again.

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    1. That's an awesome dream!

      "I realized he was talking about me. He was even more excited to be with me than I with Him. I hadn't really thought about that before."

      YES!!!

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  24. Thank you, Gary, for your being a willing vessel for letting our Lord work His Holy spirit power through you to encourage His Church.

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  25. [image width="88%" height="88%" src="http://www.firstflightmedia.com/Screenshot from 2019-01-21 00:12:44.png"/]

    18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
    who alone does wonderous things.

    19 Blessed be his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with
    his glory!

    Amen and Amen!

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