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A faithful reading of Scripture leads us to a high view of God's sovereignty. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44a). God is not partially sovereign, He is completely sovereign, even in the salvation of helpless sinners.

And yet, Scripture also gives a genuine free offer of the Gospel. Indeed, whosoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Instead of creating a false dichotomy between these two truths, we can celebrate the good news in which they harmonize! God effectually calls lost people unto Himself, who in turn come to Christ for salvation. For without the saving work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, no one, dead in their sin, would come to Christ at all! Yet, as we cling to Christ for salvation, He graciously blesses us with the sweetness of knowing our Savior in a relationally thirst-quenching way.

As those who have been redeemed by Christ, resting in him who is gentle and lowly in heart, we can faithfully invite others to find rest for their souls in him and trust our sovereign God to work.

-Jonathan

I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say

Written by Horatius Bonar

Lyrics:

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest.
Lay down, O weary one,
lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
weary, worn, and sad.
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream.
My thirst was quenched,
my soul revived,
and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am this dark world's Light.
Look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my Star, my Sun,
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till traveling days are done.

Words: Horatius Bonar, 1846, Alt. 1990, mod.
Music: KINGSFOLD, traditional English melody
© Public Domain.
CCLI Song #2631448 | CCLI License # 193208