Tuesday 1 December 2015

'Come, sinners, to the Gospel feast' by Charles Wesley

This is one among many of Wesley's hymns that have the theme of the gospel call. Charles and John both knew what it felt like to be lost, and along with this, the struggle of trying to work their way to salvation. Their understanding of the sinner's plight, as well as one called to bring the gospel message is perfectly exemplified in this hymn. Likewise their confidence that God's invitation is for all, that the returning sinner will find a hearty welcome, along with the urgency that they can and should come now, is also clear.
 If you have by accident or otherwise landed on this website and read these words, do not let them pass you by. Rather, fly to Christ  that he would have mercy on your soul and bring you into his kingdom this day. AK



Come, sinners, to the Gospel feast;
Let every soul be Jesus’ guest.
Ye need not one be left behind,
For God hath bid all humankind.

Sent by my Lord, on you I call;
The invitation is to all.
Come, all the world! Come, sinner, thou!
All things in Christ are ready now.

Come, all ye souls by sin oppressed,
Ye restless wanderers after rest;
Ye poor, and maimed, and sick, and blind,
In Christ a hearty welcome find.

Come, and partake the Gospel feast;
Be saved from sin; in Jesus rest;
O taste the goodness of your God,
And eat His flesh, and drink His blood!

You vagrant souls, on you I call;
(O that my voice could reach you all!)
You all may now be justified,
You all may live, for Christ hath died.

My message as from God receive;
Ye all may come to Christ and live.
O let His love your hearts constrain,
Nor permit Him to die in vain.

His love is mighty to compel;
His conquering love consent to feel,
Yield to His love’s resistless power,
And fight against your God no more.

See Him set forth before your eyes,
That precious, bleeding Sacrifice!
His offered benefits embrace,
And freely now be saved by grace.

This is the time, no more delay!
This is the Lord’s accepted day.
Come thou, this moment, at His call,
And live for Him Who died for all.

Charles Wesley

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