Christianity, Poetry, and the Cross of Christ

“See Him set forth before your eyes, behold the bleeding sacrifice…” -Charles Wesley

There are times when words fail us. We’ve all had the sensation, whether encountering unspeakable joy or pain, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one. Words don’t always capture these moments. Within the Christian faith, a faith that encompasses the whole of our experiences, we encounter mysteries that also escape words. Try to describe the inner workings of the Godhead, for example. Or, as it is Holy Week, the cosmic repercussions of the death of Christ.

Throughout Christian history, poetry has been used to attempt to describe the great mysteries of our faith. Paul used poetry in some of his New Testament letters. Early Christians wrote poetry to aid in worship. We’ve all been touched by this, particularly through hymns.

Charles Wesley sits within a long line of English poets who have produced what we call poetical theology. Other greats from his own time would include Isaac Watts, Augustus Toplady, John Newton, and William Cowper. Whether you recognize their names or not, you know their words.

In his 1745 publication, Hymns on the Lord’s Supper , Wesley produced a hymn text that speaks to the mystery of Christ’s self-offering death on the Cross. In the text, he speaks of Christ as the “eternal Victim” and a “Sacrifice” who offered himself for Sinners.

O Thou eternal Victim slain A Sacrifice for guilty Man, By the Eternal Spirit made An Offering in the Sinner’s Stead, Our everlasting Priest art Thou, And plead’st thy Death for Sinners now.

Christ’s offering, his sacrifice, while an event in history, remains “New.” Its impact is cosmic, the “goodness” of God “is unchangeable,” yet clearly seen on the Cross.

Thy Offering still continues New, Thy Vesture keeps its Bloody Hue, Thou stand’st the ever slaughter’d Lamb, Thy Priesthood still remains the same, Thy Years, O God, can never fail, Thy Goodness is unchangeable.

And yet this self-offering, this “slaughter’d Lamb” died for you, and for me. Cosmic in scope, the Cross’s power extends to all. And by God’s grace, we are invited to faith, to trust, in the only One who could save us.

O that our Faith may never move, But stand unshaken as thy Love, Sure Evidence of Things unseen, Now let it pass the Years between, And view Thee bleeding on the Tree, My God, who dies for Me, for Me!

This week, take some time to ponder the Cross. Spend time in prayer, read the crucifixion accounts in the Gospels, and wonder at the One “bleeding on the Tree.” He is none other than God himself, who offered himself for you, and changed everything.

Ryan N. Danker is director of the John Wesley Institute_, Washington, DC_. This is adapted from a weekly JWI newsletter that can be subscribed to here_._

P.S. The JWI/Good News needs to raise $10,000 each month to continue this ministry. So far in April we have raised $1,200. We’re on our way! But we need your support. Our mission is to make the Wesleyan theological tradition accessible to the laity, to teach and form persons for a holy, Christlike life. Please consider a gift today here or contact me directly if you would like to discuss other options. Thank you!

P.P.S. The JWI is thrilled to announce the publication of our latest Wesleyan resource, To Spread Scriptural Holiness. Written by 70 scholars and church leaders from 15 different Wesleyan denominations, this lay-oriented book explores the doctrine of holiness of heart and life, God’s promise of freedom in Christ. The book is written for individuals and small groups, and includes the scriptural and theological foundations of the doctrine as well as descriptions of the practices that lead to holiness. Click the image below to order your copy today!

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