Jesus Both Our Mast and Sail

The center and fulcrum of all gospel preaching must be the cross, and the center of the cross is self-substitution of God for the sins of His people. This is the crucifixion within the crucifixion. A couple of days ago I wrote a hymn celebrating the glory of the atonement. I hope you enjoy.

Jesus Both Our Mast and Sail

Fastened to a bloody deck,

the Mast of our salvation

It drives the ark that bears Your church

o’er the world’s damnation.

[CHORUS]

Jesus both our Mast and Sail,

our Shelter and our Friend

Thou Ark for sinners tried and true

our haven without end!

The Sail now raised and full doth charge

to the centre of the storm

Where love and law and sin collide;

that glorious Friday morn!

[CHORUS]

The Sail now furled is torn and shred

beyond all recognition

The Lighting Rod of God’s just dread

has wrought its awful mission.

[CHORUS]

The Mast now stained with crimson red;

has met the dark cloud’s fury

Into port it sways and stands

and hails the Father’s glory!

[CHORUS]