Paths of the Pardoned

“Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will He teach sinners in the way… For Thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great” (Psalm 25:8,11).  “Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: for a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again” (Proverbs 24:15,16).  “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His, and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity… Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace” (2 Timothy 2:19,22). 

How good and upright is the Lord

Who teaches sinners in His way,

Whose erring children are restored

And pardoned as they humbly pray. 

So lay not wait, O wicked one,

Against the children of our God,

For though they fall, God is not done,

Though they are chastened with His rod. 

God’s seal of assurance is

On this foundation in our heart: 

The Lord knows every one of His,

And let them from their sin depart. 

God’s children have an inclination

To follow Christ by whom they’re pardoned,

But those resisting His salvation

Against the Lord are further hardened. 

There are forbidden paths to flee

Where once we walked in youthful lust,

That we may follow charity,

In righteousness, in peace, and trust.

Lord, thank You for Your wondrous grace

That rescued us from endless wrath,

When You became our Hiding Place

And set us on salvation’s path. 

O Lord, we follow where You lead

As we proclaim Your Gospel’s Word:

The pardon now that sinners need

Upon the cross has been secured!

Lord, send us forth to reach the lost

And show Your pardon paid in full,   

So they may marvel at the cost

And run to You to save their soul!