Today... 'The Forerunner
Long before the first aeons of time began
the triune God agreed Salvations great plan.
'Who is it that will go to provide the way? '
'Here I am, send me', the angels heard You say.
Then into this scene you came by virgin birth
to begin the days of Your life here on earth.
Satan wanted You to take another way
But on Calvary's path You wanted to stay
There 'Father forgive them' in anguish You cried
as You bowed Your head in sacrifice and died.
Then through deaths dark sepulchre You descended
until Your sacrificial work has ended.
Three days and nights in death You were to remain
and then You burst through its gates alive again.
For then You began Your glorious ascent
as up into heaven in the clouds You went.
The heavens resounded with tremendous praise
as You approached to the Ancient of Days.
There You were given an eternal kingdom
of people from every tribe and tongue.
Through the Holiest of Places You have gone
to prepare the way for us to follow on.
Secure in You we know that heaven 's our goal.
Having such a hope as this anchors the soul.
The gateway to heaven has been opened wide
and we can now follow our Forerunner inside.
The great Herald of the heavenly kingdom
The long promised One prophesied to come.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Related quotes
Today... 'The Ancient Of Days
The Ancient of Days will judgement proclaim
and rule in favour of those called by His name.
The time will come when all His followers shall
inherit heavens kingdom and will prevail.
There standing before the great hosts in heaven
where an eternal kingdom He has been given.
Comprising of every tongue and nation
all praising the Author of their salvation.
Every tribe and kindred will gather there
each one set free from their shame and sins despair.
Completely broken is Satan's hold on them
no more can he point to their sin and condemn.
The travail of His soul will be satisfied
as unnumbered saints gather there at His side.
The eternal kingdom of Christ has begun
and victory over sin and death has been won.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Everlasting Light
Bethlehem Ephrathah the smallest of every clan
as prophesied out of you has come the long promised man.
Now no more is the sun required to lighten up each day
The Everlasting Light of heaven illuminates our way.
Days of sorrow have ended and the days of joy begin
through walls of Salvation and gates of Praise I've entered in.
Eternal Light from heaven is now shining upon me
For the Light of the Glory of God in Your face I see.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
You breathed Your last breath for me
'Heavenly Father, not My will, but Yours, ' You cried
then went to the hill of Golgotha where You died.
There upon Calvary's cross You breathed Your last breath
even though You had power over hell and death.
The angels were not able to understand why
the Immortal God had to bow His head and die.
For they were unaware of the eternal plan
that the Triune God agreed before time began.
In that great counsel You said, 'Here I am Send me.'
Willing You were, to hang upon that awful tree.
Willing, to carry my sins in Your body there.
Willing in my place the full wrath of God to bear.
Because of You, Lord Jesus I can now go free.
Because You have laid down your life at Calvary.
Because You hung on that cruel cross in my stead.
Because Your precious blood for me has been shed.
*************
Now I know that when the time comes for my last breath
that my life will not just end in my earthly death.
There in the shadow of death You will lead me through
to spend an eternity in heaven with You.
The Battle For The Eternal Destiny Of Mankind
I - The plan was agreed
Before the moments of time had begun
at the great council of the Triune One.
A plan was devised for the salvation of man
and was agreed upon before all life began.
A mighty battle on earth was going to take place
one to decide the destiny of the human race.
There was no hope, no place for man to flee
the wages of sin is death, was Gods decree.
II - God became a man
Then 'Here I am, ' You said, 'Send me.'
Willing, You were to hang upon the tree.
Willing to be contracted to a human span.
Willing to enter into the world of man.
Such condescension and such grace
God entered upon earth this human race.
Taking on human flesh He then became
a Babe of man to bear our sinful shame.
It was such an awesome and incredible plan
to condense Yourself and become a man.
Thus the Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
took on our mortality to pay sins price.
III - The sacrifice was made
Then that awful day came in God's great plan
when You were taken aside by sinful man.
Made to climb the steep hill to Calvary's tree.
There You were to die for sin to set us free.
This world could not comprehend such love.
It was the love of God from heaven above.,
So we took You to that place of hate and pain.
There nailed You to a cross and had You slain.
Upon Golgotha's hill the battle took place
the fight for the future of the human race.
In penalty for our sin Your body was impaled
as upon the cross the Son of God was nailed.
A battle had to be fought and a victory won
by the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Only Son.
The warfare commenced on this earthly plain
as alone You hung there in agony and pain.
Those gathered around the cross looking on
ranted and raged saying 'If He is Gods Son'
'Let Him come down and leave the battle scene.'
Oh Lord, how different things would have been.
IV - The price was paid
There sin upon sins were on Your body laid
as for the iniquity of man the price You paid.
'My God, why have You forsaken me? ' You cried
as the filth and stench of sin Father and Son divide.
Separated from God, alone You hung upon the tree.
By Your stripes we were healed from our iniquity.
There stricken and smitten of God were You then.
Bruised and wounded for the transgressions of men.
The sin of mankind upon Your body was laid
as lash by lash the price for each one You paid.
Wounded there You bore the wrath of Mighty God
and paid the penalty for men's sin by Your blood.
Your body was pierced and Your blood was shed
and men placed a crown of thorns upon Your head.
The leprosy of our sin could only be borne by You.
No other price could be paid. Death only would do.
'Father forgive', was Your great cry to heaven
as deep into Your flesh the nails were driven.
The pain and suffering You bore that awful day
was to pay for man's sin, there was no other way.
You were persistent, fighting on against the foe
determined to deliver us from our sinful woe.
'It is finished' was Your mighty victorious cry
and to death You submitted Your body to die.
V - The battle enters the realms of death
But this was not to be the end of You my Lord.
The battle was not to be fought by human sword.
Into Satan's territory the fight was to take place
to determine the eternal destiny of the human race.
The greatest battle this world has ever known
was fought by You Lord, as You stood alone.
Heavens hosts looked on with baited breath
as You took the fight into the realms of death.
Into that bottomless Abyss You began Your descent.
Deeper into the very depths of death You went
Alone You stood in Satan's dark territory there
as hells creatures approach they roar and glare.
VI - The battle against Satan and his army
The grave was now the new battle ground
and all of Satan's minions gathered around.
In death's sepulchre on and on the battle raged
alone You stood firm and Satan's army engaged.
There Your soul was ravaged as Satan fought
hoping to find one sin he clawed as he sought.
Just one sin alone that's all it would take
one little sin only, just one single mistake.
The bulls of Bashan their mouths opened wide
ripping into Your soul, wounded hands and side.
Like ravening beasts they gored as they roared
your bones all out of joint like water You poured.
Deeper and deeper into Your soul they fought.
Ruthlessly and fervently for any sin they sought.
Your strength was all dried up in great weariness.
Tongue sticking to Your mouth, onward You pressed.
Three days and nights without respite You fought
with unearthly foes You wrestled and wrought.
Who can tell what awful things they tried to do
as this gruesome army fought to destroy You.
Satan roared and clawed at Your body in despair
but found no sin and could not hold You there.
For no sin was to be found in this perfect man
nothing that could hold You in deaths domain.
VII - Satan and Death are defeated
No enemies were left to stand or fight and claw.
Satan's mighty army defeated had to withdraw.
For our great Captain of Salvation had overcome
and Victor o'er death and the grave had become.
Death is vanquished and sins powers ceased.
Now Satan is defeated and his captives released.
Your victory over sin destroyed all of its powers
and won the fight with death that final foe of ours.
VIII - Mankind is saved
Then out from the tomb in triumph You arose
with victory and supremacy over all Your foes.
That moment the destiny of this world changed
as the life of Christ for ours was exchanged
'Why do you look for Jesus amongst the dead'
these were the words the angels to Mary said.
Later in the garden she heard You called her name
then turning around 'Rabboni' was her refrain.
The voice she thought she'd never hear again
came speaking from the grave so clear and plain.
There before her in glorious resurrection victory
stood her Lord, untouchable but alive was He.
The gates of death You have burst open wide
setting free all of the prisoners locked inside.
'Oh grave you no longer have any hold on me.'
Your sting is removed for my Lord holds the key.
IX - The first Man enters into heaven
For the battle for mankind has now been won
great victory over death by God's Only Son.
'It is finished' was Your resounding victory cry.
All heaven applauds as You ascend into the sky.
Hidden by the clouds from the disciples sight
was our great redeemer who had won the fight.
But as God in mercy lifts the veil of clouds away
and we see You approaching the Ancient of days.
There standing before the great hosts in heaven
by God an eternal kingdom You have been given.
A kingdom comprising of every tongue and nation
each one praising the Author of their salvation.
X - Mankind enters heaven
Every tribe and kindred will be represented there
each one set free from the shame of sins despair.
Broken completely is Satan's hold upon them
no more can he point to their sin and condemn.
It is because our great sinless Saviour died
that the wages of sin has been fully satisfied.
The lamb that was slain in heaven now stands.
Fulfilled is God's plan and the laws demands.
Of the travail of Your soul You will be satisfied
as unnumbered saints gather there at Your Side.
The eternal kingdom of Christ has at last begun
and victory over sin and death has now been won.
My heart rejoices in God and my Spirit sings
in praise and worship to the great King of kings.
For this Mighty One has done all things well
and delivered my soul from the depths of hell.
XI - The great song of victory
Unnumbered myriads of the redeemed shall sing
when gathered in heaven before their great King.
All heaven shall join in the glorious victory song
united together as one in a great heavenly throng.
'Worthy is the Lamb that died' is their cry.
'Worthy is the Lamb' all the redeemed reply.
As every knee in heaven and earth bow before
The One who died and is alive for evermore.
Today... 'The Branch of Righteousness
Behold the days are now coming says the Lord
When a king will reign according to my word.
From David a Branch of Righteousness has come
the forerunner of the heavenly kingdom.
David's greater Son and God's Beloved One:
Jesus the Messiah has His reign begun
He came to us from heaven by virgin birth
to bring judgment and righteousness to earth.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Door
Where do we mortals find that narrow heavenly Door?
Through which millions of sinners have entered before?
It is found at the cross where Jesus was crucified
There for You paid for our sins, laid down Your life and died
With Your arms outstretched so wide and saying, 'Come to me'
For we find forgiveness by Your death at Calvary
And we see the Door before us swinging open wide
Allowing us to pass through the veil to heavens side
At the cross the veil in the temple was rent in two
We can still hear You calling sinners to come to You
For the door into heaven has been flung open wide
'Come to me you weary, ' we hear as we go inside
Calvary's cross is the Door through which man can go through
And there is no other way only this door will do
For You are the Way by which we must enter heaven
It is at the cross we must come to be forgiven
Then as we look behind us on the lintel we see
'Chosen before the foundation of the world in Me'
Though millions have come yet there is still room for more
God by His Grace has allowed us to enter the Door
So come to that Door for it is opened wide for you
And taste the glories of heaven as you enter through
The cry goes out 'whosoever will may enter in'
It is at the Cross where your journey has to begin
All who enter the door shall be safely kept inside
There forever with the Lord Jesus they all shall abide
Each one was chosen by God before the world began
Included by His grace as part of salvations plan
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The First and Last
Before the creation had taken its place.
Before the beginning of this earthly race.
Before the heavens and the earth came to be.
Before the dawn of human history.
Before the tick of the seconds of time began
Then the Triune God formed salvations plan.
The Son of God at the very beginning stood.
and commenced all of creation by His word.
There is no one to compare with You my Lord
for You forever will be the living Word.
The One Who is the Son of Man walked on earth
Who came to us from heaven by virgin birth.
The Alpha and Omega is First and Last
was at the beginning and will time outlast.
Alive before time and creation began
and when history unfolded became a man.
Each chapter of earth and human history
has been encompassed between eternity.
For the Fathers' Eternally Begotten Son
stands outside of time as the Everlasting One.
The Alpha and Omega, the First and Last
all the years of time within Your hands You grasp.
from everlasting to everlasting the same
The Almighty God Jehovah is Your name.
When time shall cease and the sun no longer rise
When Christ has come with His glory in the skies.
When the ransomed called to reign with Him on high
and with all the angels 'hallelujah' cry.
When all the atomic clocks have ticked their last.
When matter has disappeared into the past.
When the new heaven and earth in sight appears.
There You shall still stand outlasting all the years.
The Eternal God and Everlasting Lord
by heaven and earth and forever adored.
There at Your feet all men shall fall as though dead
before Heaven's King and Everlasting Head.
And there at Your feet I shall willingly fall
before my King of Glory and Lord of All.
And then as I feel the touch of Your right hand
I shall rise up at the sound of Your command.
When the worlds are no more and all time shall cease
there You shall reign and Your kingdom shall increase
and I shall be there gazing into Your face
washed and clothed in righteousness by Your grace.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
The eternal story
Long before time its race began
or upon earth stepped the first man.
Before planets their circuits made
or light its virgin rays displayed.
The Council of the Triune One
Father, Holy Spirit and Son.
In eternity past did plan
to come and die for sinful man.
'Who shall I send' was the great cry.
'Here I am, send me', the reply.
Then as a small babe wrapped in flesh
came the Lord our Righteousness.
Angelic host proclaimed the birth
for their Lord had come down to earth.
God confined to a human span
had come to live and walk with man.
Jesus lived and walked amongst men
sharing with us wisdom from heaven.
His sinless life men could not stand.
So they removed Him from the land.
The Saviour of the human race
hung upon the cross in disgrace
and then as He succumbed to death.
Upon that tree drew His last breath.
Where as He hung His head to die
'It is finished' came His great cry.
Then deep into the grave He went.
Where three days and three nights He spent.
Hell was not able hold its' prey.
He tore the bars of death away.
He who died came to life again
and arose from that dark domain.
A peon of praise fills the skies.
The Lord our God it magnifies.
Throughout heaven the chorus rings.
Proclaiming Jesus King of kings.
Angel hosts take up the refrain
'Holy is the Lord', they proclaim.
Then our voices join the great throng
singing God's praises all day long.
Today... 'The Breaker
The gates of Hades were burst open wide
as The Great Breaker cast them to one side.
Smashed open by a great tidal wave
when Jesus came to seek and to save.
The powers of Death vanquished far away
on that glorious resurrection day.
Their chains were broken and they were set free
No longer held in Death's captivity.
With Satan conquered and the victory won
The King goes before them and they follow on.
His people freed from the power of sin
and through the gate of heaven they enter in.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Author and Finisher of our faith
Before the seconds of time had begun.
At the great council of the Triune One.
A plan was devised for the salvation of man
and was agreed upon before all life began.
Such an awesome and incredible plan
to condense Yourself and become a man.
The Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
took on all our mortality to pay sins price.
Then that awful day came in Your great plan
when the Author of Life was taken by man
and made to climb the steep hill to Calvary's tree.
There You lay down Your life for sin and set us free.
'It is finished' was your victory cry
as You gave Your life in a final sigh.
Finished completely was that work of grace.
Salvation made possible for the human race.
Completing the work that You came to do
all Your followers made perfect in You.
Each having a righteousness not of their own
but from the One seated on the heavenly throne.
Fixing our eyes upon the Risen Lord
Who for the joy before Him the cross endured.
Made perfect through suffering sin and its shame
and been given the Name above every name.
All Creation joins in the victory song
united in one great heavenly throng.
To the Author and Finisher of Faith we sing
gathered in heaven before our glorious King.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Finisher of Faith
Ascending into heaven to triumphant applause
the battle was over and the victory was Yours.
Death had now been vanquished and the grave was opened wide
'It is Finished' was the great shout of triumph You cried.
The work is behind You the price for sin had been paid
the sepulchre was empty where Your body once laid.
You had endured the cross and despised its dreadful shame.
The heavens rejoice and Your great victory proclaim.
And there seated at the right hand of God I can see
my Lord Jesus Christ Who has Finished the faith for me.
For my great Author and the Finisher of the faith
won the victory over Satan and now I'm safe.
Despising the shame and enduring Calvary's cross
You came to seek and to save this poor sheep that was lost.
It is finished I hear that great victorious cry
Resounding throughout heaven as the years pass on by
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'My Banner
The Banner of Jesus is flying high
there nailed upon the cross was He to die.
With arms opened wide as a flag unfurled
as men passed by and their insults hurled.
Upon Calvary's hilltop the banner flies
as Jesus lays down His life for us and dies.
There the veil of the temple was torn in two
and heavens door opened we go through.
He said 'When I am hung upon the tree'
then I will draw Jews and Gentiles to me, '
To all who believe the cross leads to heaven
and all who come in repentance are forgiven.
Outstretched upon Calvary's cross I see
the full extent of Jesus' love for me.
The 'agape' love of God was outpoured
for this poor, vile sinner by Christ adored.
From the Root of Jesse the banner flies
'Come, enter the gates of heaven it cries.'
The Sovereign Lord beckons us to come
and calls us to our great heavenly home.
There praise shall be my glorious battle cry
and His great love my soul shall occupy.
Called into His Banqueting house above
where His great banner over me is love.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'Fragrant Offering
On the hill a Fragrant Offering stood.
The Son of God hung on a piece of wood.
The Earth grew dark and the sun hid its light
as men stood gazing at the gruesome sight.
It was in love for us that He had died.
when 'Father forgive them, ' out loud He cried.
Lowered His head and submitted to death
and gave up His life with His final breath.
A Fragrant Offering and sacrifice.
Out of love for us He has paid sins price.
Shed His blood that we might be forgiven
and opened the gateway into heaven.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
Today... 'Advocate
Is there any who can be my Advocate? Job cried.
'Here I am send me, ' from heaven You replied.
The only one capable of such a task
You only could provide what Job did ask.
So He entered earth's history.
And lived life as life should be.
All the way to the cross He went.
Cried 'Father forgive' as Your life was spent.
For all of us were lost through disobedience
and Jesus goes to the Father in our defence.
He is Christ the only Righteous One
and His sacrifice for our sin will atone.
Now in heaven our Advocate stands
and points to His wounded feet and hands.
The price has now been paid in full
Christ our saviour is All in All.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
Today... 'The Firstborn
A glorious crescendo in the heavens rang
when at Your birth the mighty angelic host sang.
Glory to God in the highest and peace to men
for God's Firstborn Son had come to earth from heaven.
The most exalted of all the kings of the earth.
is the Son of God born to us by virgin birth.
Eternally Begotten of His Father God
had become a man and along earths pathways trod
All the angels who worshipped him looked down in awe
unable to comprehend the sight they now saw.
Never before had they seen this view from heaven
God, the Firstborn was walking on earth amongst men.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
May this mortal sing Your praise?
Mighty God Whom heavenly angels worship
may this mere mortal sing out Your praise?
For All Glorious God You are worth it.
Sing out my soul and His anthem raise!
I will tell salvations wondrous story
and of the way that He came to this earth
For this Awesome God in His great glory
entered our world when born by virgin birth.
Sing, yes sing of Him Who came to save you.
Hung there upon the cross and forgave you.
Died for you as though all the blame was His
Sing, for no greater love has man than this.
He is the Lord of every nation,
And the Ancient of Eternal Days.
He is the Author of our Salvation
So let us bring to Him our songs of praise
Today... 'Abba
'Abba, Father', Jesus said, 'Take this cup from me'
whilst praying in the garden of Gethsemane.
'I know that all things are possible for You
and that there is nothing that You cannot do.'
'Yet not what I will but what You will, ' He said
as in deep anguish great drops of blood He bled.
Then He went on to complete salvations plan
agreed by the Godhead before time began.
'Abba, Father, ' like Jesus we too can cry
as we pour out our soul to the Lord on high.
For the sons and daughters of our God are we
and never more in slavery shall we be.
The Spirit of Christ is dwelling in our heart
and causes all the fear and dread to depart.
For our Lord Jesus drained the bitter cup dry
when He bowed His head upon the cross to die.
Abba Father, the Spirit has testified
that I am the child for whom He has died.
An heir of God and co-heir with Jesus Christ
sharing in His suffering and sacrifice.
No more an orphan for the Father I know
I'm in His family where life's riches flow.
Led by the Spirit I gaze into His face
as God's love floods into my soul by His grace.
We are sons and daughters of the living God
and we walk the same pathway that Jesus trod.
All saved by His grace and purchased with His blood
and trusting in the promises of our God.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
Heavenly Citizenship
I’m no longer of this earth; I have been changed by a spiritual birth,
Although I still walk this sod, I now belong to the Kingdom of God.
A heavenly plane beyond this earth; in a Kingdom of Eternal Worth,
While down here, I am led by God, comforted by His staff and rod.
Although I was born on earth in sin, of Heaven above I am a citizen,
A new citizen of Heaven, eternally, all through the Cross of Calvary.
While I am here He lives within, through The Holy Spirit sent by Him,
Jesus Christ, who came to die for me, to give me New Life eternally.
It’s the Holy Spirit who lives inside, helping this sinner daily to abide,
To abide in my Lord, Jesus Christ, who gave to this sinner a new life.
For, when The Lord was crucified, New Life, I received when He died,
When for me, Jesus paid that price, by becoming for me a Sacrifice.
After Christ had died in my stead, my Lord rose again from the dead,
Leaving empty, the Garden Tomb, and sealing forever, Satan’s doom,
And with Christ being The Living Bread, up to Heaven, He went ahead,
Leaving behind death’s dark gloom, to set up for me an eternal room.
As a member of the human race, my heavenly citizenship is of Grace,
The thought I’d alone never conceive, let alone, something I’d achieve.
But soon I’ll see my Lord’s face, when I’m lifted to my heavenly place,
Friend all this too, you can receive, if in Christ you would just believe.
Today... 'The Ensign of the People
Ensign of the people for all to see
The One Who comes from the root of Jesse
Now Jew and Gentile come to Him for rest
For in Christ all shall be forever blest
Flying high on the cross of Calvary
Is the Ensign of God for you and me
God loved the world and gave His Only Son
Who through His death the victory has won
From the Root of Jesse the ensign flies
"Come, enter the gates of heaven it cries."
The Sovereign Lord beckons me to come
and calls me to my great heavenly home
There praise is my glorious battle cry
and His great love my soul shall occupy
Called into His banqueting house above
Where His great banner over me is love
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Oh where is heavens door?
Where do we mortals find that narrow heavenly Door?
Through which millions of people have entered before?
It is found at the cross of Jesus The Crucified
where He paid for our sins and laid down His life and died.
With His arms outstretched so wide and saying, 'Come to me'
there we find forgiveness by His death at Calvary.
Then we see the Door before us swing open so wide
allowing us to pass through the veil to heavens side.
Calvary's cross is the Door through which we can go through.
There is no other entrance only this door will do.
For He is the Way by which we must enter heaven
It is at the cross we must come to be forgiven.
Then as we look behind us on the lintel we see
'Chosen before the foundation of the world in Me.'
Though millions have come yet there is still room for more
God by His Grace has allowed us to go through the Door.
So come to that Door for it is opened wide for you
and taste the glories of heaven as you enter through.
The cry goes out 'whosoever will may enter in'
it is at the Cross where your journey has to begin.
All who enter the door shall be safely kept inside
and there forever with the Lord Jesus they shall abide.
Each one was chosen by God before the world began
Included by His grace as part of salvations plan.
Written after reading John 10: 7-10