more on middle knowledge and compatibilism

middle knowledge

"Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon [large, pagan cities just up the coast], they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum [another favoured town in Galilee], will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom [proverbial for wickedness; see Gen. 18-19], it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."" - Matthew 11:20-24 (NIV)

For the comparisons in these verses to be realistic, Jesus presupposes that God not only knows all that has happened and all that is happening, but also what would have happened under different circumstances. Philosophers call this "middle knowledge", and many of them doubt that even God could have it. This text presupposes that he does: he knows what Sodom would have done under different circumstances, he knows what Tyre and Sidon would have done under different circumstances, and he takes this knowledge into account in the judgment of the last day.

Interestingly, this does not mean that Sodom, say, goes free. Even though Sodom would have repented if the miracles performed in Capernaum had been performed in Sodom, Sodom does not on that account stand acquitted. That would presuppose that God owes Sodom, and every other city, exactly the same privileges that Capernaum enjoyed. The truth is that God does not owe salvation to anyone; he does not owe "chances" and "opportunities" to anyone. But if he comes to us with free, unmerited favour, then either we appropriate it, or our situation is far worse than it was before he came to us. Sodom is still condemned; but on the day of judgment, it will be more bearable for Sodom than for cities which, though less renowned for blatant evil, enjoyed far more exposure to God's gracious self-disclosure.

This is simultaneously terrifying and enormously reassuring. It is terrifying if we stand with most of those to whom much is given (as is the case with most who will read this book). It urges us, by God's grace, to take up the opportunities and privileges that God gives us. But it is reassuring as well, for it ensures that God's justice on the last day will be perfect, and will be seen to be perfect. Every conceivable factor will be taken into account by omniscience.

- D. A. Carson, How Long, O Lord?, 128-130

compatibilism

The Bible as a whole, and sometimes in specific texts, presupposes or teaches that both of the following propositions are true:

1. God is absolutely sovereign, but his sovereignty never functions in such a way that human responsibility is curtailed, minimised, or mitigated.

2. Human beings are morally responsible creatures - they significantly choose, rebel, obey, believe, defy, make decisions, and so forth, and they are rightly held accountable for such actions; but this characteristic never functions so as to make God absolutely contingent.

In what follows, I shall argue that the Bible upholds the truth of both of these propositions simultaneously. The view that both of these propositions are true I shall call compatibilism. We could call this view anything we like, but for various historical reasons this seems like a good term to use. All I mean by it is that, so far as the Bible is concerned, the two propositions are taught and are mutually compatible...

If compatibilism is true and if God is good - all of which the Bible affirms - then it must be the case that God stands behind good and evil in somewhat different ways; that is, he stands behind good and evil asymmetrically. To put it bluntly, God stands behind evil in such a way that not even evil takes place outside the bounds of his sovereignty, yet the evil is not morally chargeable to him: it is always chargeable to secondary agents, to secondary causes. On the other hand, God stands behind good in such a way that it not only takes place within the bounds of his sovereignty, but it is always chargeable to him, and only derivatively to secondary agents.

In other words, if I sin, I cannot possibly do so outside the bounds of God's sovereignty (or the many texts already cited have no meaning), but I alone am responsible for that sin - or perhaps I and those who tempted me, led me astray, and the like. God is not to be blamed. But if I do good, it is God working in me both to will and to act according to his good pleasure. God's grace has been manifest in my case, and he is to be praised.

If this sounds just a bit too convenient for God, my initial response (though there is more to be said) is that according to the Bible this is the only God there is. There is no other.

- D. A. Carson, How Long, O Lord?, 179, 189

link: middle knowledge and compatibilism (6 apr 09)

the nature of the atonement

in a previous post, three kinds of atonement, i wrote that:

the way i see it, there are three ways of understanding the atonement:

1. limited atonement - Christ died for the elect but not for the unelect.
2. unlimited atonement - Christ died for the elect and the unelect.
3. definite atonement - Christ died for the elect; no comment on whether Christ died for the unelect.

Scripture clearly teaches that Christ died for the elect. but just because Christ died for the elect does not mean that Christ did not die for the unelect. of course, it does not mean that Christ died for the unelect either. it simply means that Christ died for the elect.

however, in my conversations with various people, it appears that most people who would describe themselves as 5-point calvinists believe that Christ died for all (ie. the elect and the unelect), just not efficiently/effectively/electively for all. perhaps it is a mistake on my part to say that 5-point calvinists believe that Christ died for the elect but not for the unelect. to this end, i would like to revise my position on the nature of the atonement.

if we define limited atonement as the atonement being sufficient for all but efficient for some, then by definition the atonement is limited (to the elect). i completely agree that in this sense, the atonement is limited. the question, then, is not whether the atonement is limited. the question is why the atonement is limited. is the atonement limited because it is not given to all, or is the atonement limited because it is not received by all?

as a non-5-point calvinist (if there is such a thing), i believe that in one sense, the atonement is unlimited; in another sense, the atonement is limited. the atonement is unlimited in how it is given by God and limited in how it is received by man. i also believe that in one sense, election is unconditional; in another sense, election is conditional. election is unconditional in how it is given by God and conditional in how it is received by man.

*****

total depravity - yes
unconditional election - yes in one sense, no in another sense
limited atonement - yes in one sense, no in another sense
irresistible grace - no
perseverance of the saints - yes

freedom of choice?

Do not say, 'It was the Lord's doing that I fell away'; for he does not do what he hates. Do not say, 'It was he who led me astray'; for he has no need of the sinful. The Lord hates all abominations; such things are not loved by those who fear him. It was he who created humankind in the beginning, and he left them in the power of their own free choice.

If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose. Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given.

For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything; his eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every human action. He has not commanded anyone to be wicked, and he has not given anyone permission to sin.

- Sirach 15:11-20 (NRSV Apocrypha)

more on the middle-knowledge view

It is, for example, God's absolute intention that no creature should sin and that all should reach beatitude. But it is not within the scope of God's power to control what free creatures would do if placed in any set of circumstances. In certain circumstances, then, creatures would freely sin, despite the fact that God does not will this. Should God then choose to actualise precisely those circumstances, He has no choice but to allow the creature to sin. God's absolute intentions can thus be frustrated by free creatures.

But God's conditional intentions, which are based on His middle knowledge and thus take account of what free creatures would do, cannot be so frustrated. It is God's conditional intention to permit many actions on the part of free creatures which He does not absolutely will; but in His infinite wisdom God so orders which states of affairs obtain that His purposes are achieved despite and even through the sinful, free choices of creatures. God thus providentially arranges for everything that does happen by either willing or permitting it, and He causes everything to happen insofar as He concurs with the decisions of free creatures in producing their effects, yet He does so in such a way as to preserve freedom and contingency...

Prior to the divine decree, God knows via His middle knowledge how any possible free creature would respond in any possible circumstances, which include the offer of certain gifts of prevenient grace which God might provide. In choosing a certain possible world, God commits Himself, out of His goodness, to offering various gifts of grace to every person which are sufficient for his salvation. Such grace is not intrinsically efficacious in that it of itself produces its effect; rather it is extrinsically efficacious in accomplishing its end in those who freely cooperate with it. God knows that many will freely reject His sufficient grace and be lost; but He knows that many others will assent to it, thereby rendering it efficacious in effecting their salvation.

Given God's immutable decree to actualise a certain world, those whom God knew would respond to His grace are predestined to do so in the sense that it is absolutely certain that they will respond to and persevere in God's grace. There is no risk of their being lost; indeed, in sensu composito it is impossible for them to fall away. But in sensu diviso they are entirely free to reject God's grace; but were they to do so, God would have had different middle knowledge and they would not have been predestined. Similarly those who are not predestined have no one to blame but themselves. It is up to God whether we find ourselves in a world in which we are predestined, but it is up to us whether we are predestined in the world in which we find ourselves.

- William Lane Craig, "No Other Name": A Middle Knowledge Perspective on the Exclusivity of Salvation Through Christ

"For you will certainly carry out God's purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John." - C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

link: the middle-knowledge view (20 may 09)

more on why do you serve?

"Then he [Gamaliel] addressed them [the Sanhedrin]: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."" - Acts 5:35-39 (NIV)

do you serve to please God or do you serve to please man? if you serve to please man, then not only do you not have the assurance that you are doing the will of God; your "acts of service" are dead works which will not survive the Day of Judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). if you serve to please God, then not only do you have the assurance that you are doing the will of God; your acts of service are living sacrifices which build for the kingdom.

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

link: why do you serve? (9 may 09)

divine providence in Esther

The remarkable Book of Esther is perhaps one of the most overlooked books in the Bible. Regrettably, many Christians are completely unaware of the story of Esther's rise to the position of Queen of the most powerful empire that existed in her day. Incredibly, some have even argued that the Book of Esther should not be in the Bible. Martin Luther held this view, citing the fact that the name of God is not found within the pages of this short book.

Yet, this beautiful story holds many treasures that have been waiting but for the right time to be revealed. We believe we are now living in that awesome season. We are living in an incredibly opportune time. As we delve into the deeper meanings of the Book of Esther, we will clearly see the hand of God as He works behind the scenes in this most intriguing story.

There are many ironies that can be found within the story of Esther. Perhaps one of the greatest is the realisation that although this story will turn out to be a signpost pointing to Yeshua, it is our brethren in Judaism that are much more familiar with this story than those who know and follow the Messiah of Israel. In Judaism, the events of Esther are celebrated every year during the festival of Purim. This annual reminder of the Esther story has preserved the memory of the events in the minds of those from Judah for over two thousand years.

Celebrating Purim Today

In modern times this festival is often celebrated with a Purim play, a lively theatrical performance often done by children who act out the story in full costume. These plays can be a joy-filled occasion full of laughter and fun because, in the Jewish tradition, everyone hisses and stomps when they hear the name of the villain of the play - wicked Haman.

Ironically, like Ruth, the story itself is also a kind of "play" - one in which the main characters are also playing a part. The main characters are acting out the roles of not only God and Satan, but they also represent God's peoples and their roles in history, as well as pointing out their deepest needs!

As we have seen, our God saw fit to divide His people into the two houses of Israel. In addition, we know that the "bride of Christ" is also called the "Commonwealth of Israel" and the "Olive Tree" by the apostle Paul. Could it therefore be that since Ruth is a story about the redemption of the "house of Israel", Esther is a similar story about the redemption and salvation of the "house of Judah"? Indeed, this appears to be the case. After all, there are but two books in the entire Bible named for women!

- Two Women
- Two Houses
- Two Witnesses

Is it time for this truth to be revealed in our day? Is it time for these two who have each had a role to play in the redemption of all mankind, to now be fully reunited and brought together in the Messiah as "one new man"? We believe so.

Seeing YHVH's Unseen Name

Scholars are divided as to the identity of the author of the Book of Esther, which was apparently written some time within a few years of 465 B.C. While the actual Name of God (YHVH) is not found in the plain text of the Book, it is well known that there are places where that Holy Name is found embedded into the text in the form of an acrostic (see example below). It also is said to be found in equidistant letter sequences - the so-called Bible Codes. In these examples, it is as if the Almighty One, in His divine providence, is showing us in a mystical way that it is His hand working behind the scenes. Seen or unseen, in the end, He is found to be the Master of all world events.

A famous example of an acrostic that is worth mentioning, and one that will become more important as we conclude our search, was found in the sign written by Pilate and placed over the head of Messiah Yeshua. We do not know to whom should be given credit for the original work, but it is now well known among many Bible teachers that there was an important acrostic embedded in the words of this sign that in English says:

Jesus
Of Nazareth
The King
Of the Jews

In Hebrew this would read:

Yeshua
Ha Natsari
Ve Melech
Ha Yehudim

Hebrew is written right to left, thus their acrostic would be on the right side of the sign and run from top to bottom. Even in English we see that the first letters of each Hebrew line spell Y-H-V-H, and may possibly be pronounced Yahweh, which is the Name Jewish people believe to be the unutterable Name of the LORD!

More Veiled Truths

There are many other ironies in the Book of Esther, not the least of which involves the peoples that are at odds with each other in this story. Haman, it turns out is a descendant of Agag, the Amalakite king whom King Saul spared to his own undoing (1 Samuel 15). Mordecai, the hero of Esther's story, is a descendant of Shimei, a relative of Saul. Shimei is famous for taunting King David during the worst days of David's reign. At the time of his son Absalom's revolt David led a band of faithful followers off into the wilderness to escape the wrath of David's rebellious heir.

In 2 Samuel 16 we find the account of Shimei, who, being a relative of the former King Saul, curses David from across the river as he slips away from Absalom. It is interesting that one of David's captains asks permission of David to "take off the head" of Shimei. Had David given consent to Abishai to execute Shimei, Mordecai and Esther would not have been born.

Thus we again see the providence of our God, His hand working behind the scenes down through the ages in order to bring His will to pass. We also see an obedient David not interfering with the plan of God.

- Frank Morgan, Ruth and Esther: Shadows of Our Future

Shepherd of my soul

Shepherd of my soul, I give You full control
Wherever You may lead I will follow
I have made the choice to listen to Your voice
Wherever You may lead I will go

Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream
The Shepherd of my soul is by my side
Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep
The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

the middle-knowledge view

If we take the term foreknowledge as encompassing middle knowledge, then we can make perfect sense of God's providential control over a world of free agents. For via his middle knowledge, God knew exactly which persons, if members of the Sanhedrin, would freely vote for Jesus' condemnation; which persons, if in Jerusalem, would freely demand Christ's death, favouring the release of Barabbas; what Herod, if king, would freely do in reaction to Jesus and to Pilate's plea to judge him on his own; and what Pilate himself, if holding the prefecture of Palestine in A.D. 27, would freely do under pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd.

Knowing all the possible circumstances, persons and permutations of these circumstances and persons, God decreed to create just those circumstances and just those people who would freely do what God willed to happen. Thus, the whole scenario, as Luke insists, unfolded according to God's plan.

This is truly mind-boggling. When one reflects that the existence of the various circumstances and persons involved was itself the result of a myriad of prior free choices on the part of these and other agents, and these in turn of yet other prior contingencies, and so on, then we see that only an omniscient mind could providentially direct a world of free creatures toward his sovereignly established ends.

- William Lane Craig, The Middle-Knowledge View

"Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen." - Acts 4:27-28 (NIV)

*****

a year ago, i was a 5-point calvinist. i would not have entertained middle knowledge, let alone endorse it. but God, in His divine providence, has led me to the writings of Norman Geisler (the doctrine of election - revised), Terrance Tiessen (calvinism and middle knowledge), John Walvoord (more on the best possible world), Don Carson (middle knowledge and compatibilism) and now William Lane Craig. in fact, i'm doing a module on the philosophy of religion this term and middle knowledge is one of the things we're looking at.

again, i would describe myself as a two-point calvinist (if there is such a thing):

total depravity - yes
unconditional election - no
limited atonement - no
irresistible grace - no
perseverance of the saints - yes

link: more on the middle-knowledge view (24 may 09)

three kinds of atonement

the way i see it, there are three ways of understanding the atonement:

1. limited atonement - Christ died for the elect but not for the unelect.
2. unlimited atonement - Christ died for the elect and the unelect.
3. definite atonement - Christ died for the elect; no comment on whether Christ died for the unelect.

Scripture clearly teaches that Christ died for the elect. but just because Christ died for the elect does not mean that Christ did not die for the unelect. of course, it does not mean that Christ died for the unelect either. it simply means that Christ died for the elect.

more on common grace and saving grace

accepting common grace (general revelation) is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for accepting saving grace (special revelation). it is possible to accept common grace without accepting saving grace, but it is not possible to accept saving grace without accepting common grace.

likewise, accepting the Old Testament (the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms) is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for accepting the New Testament (the gospel of Christ). it is possible to accept the Old Testament without accepting the New Testament (as in Judaism), but it is not possible to accept the New Testament without accepting the Old Testament.

"He [Abraham] said to him [the rich man], 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" - Luke 16:31 (NIV)

"He [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."" - Luke 24:44-49 (NIV)

"Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (NIV)

links: common grace and saving grace (27 aug 08), even more on common grace and saving grace (23 jun 09)

predestination and relationships

recently, i've been thinking about predestination. and relationships. and predestination and relationships.

every relationship is predestined by God.

indeed, everything is predestined by God. of course, the fact that every relationship is predestined by God does not remove the impetus to work things out, any more than the fact that salvation is predestined by God removes the impetus for evangelism (it doesn't). not that we should practice missionary dating...

every relationship which happens or does not happen is part of God's best possible world.

even as every relationship is predestined by God, 'we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV). to this end, every relationship which happens or does not happen is part of God's best possible world.

going mysteriously forward, there is no place for regret in moderate "middle knowledge" calvinism. there are no other possible worlds which could have been brought about, only one particular world which has been (freely) brought about. there are no "what ifs", only "what is".

i don't know why God doesn't create a world in which every relationship works out. but i know that this particular world (ie. the world we live in) is the best possible world - from God's perspective. if it were not so, then God would not have created it.

every relationship points towards the profound mystery of Christ and the church.

above all, every relationship declares God's love for His people, Christ's love for His bride - the church.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church - for we are members of his body.

""For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:25-32 (NIV)

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)" - Revelation 19:6-8 (NIV)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

link: more on predestination and relationships (1 jun 09)

why do you serve?

"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." - 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NIV)

why do you serve? do you serve to please God or do you serve to please man? would you still serve if no one but God is watching?

link: more on why do you serve? (23 may 09)

You are my anchor

You are my anchor
My light and my salvation
You are my refuge
My heart will not fear

Though my foes surround me on every hand
They will stumble and fall while in grace I stand
In my day of trouble You hide me and set me above
To sing this song of love

One thing I will ask of You, this will I pray
To dwell in Your house, O Lord, everyday
To gaze upon Your lovely face
And rest in the Father's embrace

Teach me Your way, Lord
Make straight the path before me
Do not forsake me
My hope is in You

As I walk through life I am confident
I will see Your goodness with every step
And my heart directs me to seek You in all that I do
So I will wait for You

One thing I will ask of You, this will I pray
To dwell in Your house, O Lord, everyday
To gaze upon Your lovely face
And rest in the Father's embrace

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." - Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV)

deeper in love

There is a longing only You can fill
A raging tempest only You can still
My soul is thirsty, Lord, to know You as I'm known
Drink from the river that flows before Your throne

Take me deeper, deeper in love with You
Jesus, hold me close in Your embrace
Take me deeper, deeper than I've ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

Sunrise to sunrise, I will seek Your face
Drawn by the Spirit to the promise of Your grace
My heart has found in You a hope that will abide
Here in Your presence, forever satisfied

Take me deeper, deeper in love with You
Jesus, hold me close in Your embrace
Take me deeper, deeper than I've ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

commit to the LORD

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

hope in the LORD

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." - Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

Your grace is sufficient for me

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)

Your grace is sufficient for me
Your strength is made perfect when I am weak
All that I cling to I lay at Your feet
Your grace is sufficient for me

All the way my Saviour leads me

All the way my Saviour leads me
What have I to ask beside
Can I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort
Here by faith in Him to dwell
For I know whate'er befall me
Jesus doeth all things well
For I know whate'er befall me
Jesus doeth all things well

All the way my Saviour leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial
Feeds me with the Living Bread

Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be
Gushing from the Rock before me
Lo a spring of joy I see
Gushing from the Rock before me
Lo a spring of joy I see

All the way my Saviour leads me
Oh the fullness of His love
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above

When my spirit clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way