Hymn 380 - Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ

Join us for a study of the Scottish hymn "Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ" (Hymn 380 in The Lutheran Hymnal) by Horatius Bonar. This is a beautiful hymn on the doctrine of Justification the the person and work of Jesus for sinners. 

While this hymn is not strictly a "Lent" hymn, it fits nicely during the season of Lent. It points clearly to the suffering (verse 2) and death (verse 4) of Jesus at the cross (verse 3), and the necessity for it. Jesus, through His perfect life (verses 1 and 5), and His suffering and death, has done what no one else could. He accomplished what sinners desperately needed to be delivered from the curse of sin. We are powerless to save ourselves. Jesus alone is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6).

As you sing this hymn, reflect on your utter helplessness under the Law of God, and your desperate need for salvation. Thank God, that this need has been fulfilled by God in the person and work of Jesus. There is no salvation, anywhere else! There is no one, no thing, else we can to turn to for this salvation. Jesus alone is the Savior we need. Rejoice in that truth, and revel in the joy that truth brings!

As you sing this hymn, you are not only reveling in its truth, but you are also declaring this truth to others. It is an encouragement to your fellow Christians to hear you make this declaration!