Jesus Thank You by Pat Sczebel, 2003.

Verse 1
The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary.
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me.

Observe: A “mystery” in the Bible is something not previously known but now, divinely revealed to a particular group of people. The cross is a mystery. Answering the question of why he spoke in parables, Jesus said to his disciples, “To you it has been given to know the secrets (mystery) of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11, ESV).

About the atoning work of Jesus, Paul writes, In (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, (and the Father has revealed) to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7–10).

We can understand that Jesus died on the cross. What we can’t comprehend the depth of wisdom, mercy, grace, and love of the Father, Son, and Spirit, to plan, in eternity past, and accomplish in history, the redemption of the fallen creation. We will spend eternity marveling at the full depth of the mystery of the cross that reveals the mercy and love of God.  The chorus expresses the inexpressible.

Chorus
Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You.
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You.
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You.

Vicarious atonement is part of the mystery, along with regeneration and righteousness by faith. But the crown of it all is “once you enemy, now seated at Your table.” Our second J.I. Packer quote this week is appropriate.

Were I asked to focus the New Testament message in three words it would be adoption through propitiation. I do not expect ever to meet a richer or more (complete) summary of the gospel than that.

Verse 2 summarizes the revealed mystery and the essential nature of the Christian doctrine (teaching) of the cross.

Verse 2
By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend.
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end.

God’s knowledge, power, and holiness are infinite. So too is his mercy and kindness; they know no end.

The bridge paraphrases Paul’s summary statement of his letter to the Christians in Rome. I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your (logikos latreia, Greek forrational, divine service.) Romans 12:1.

Bridge
Lover of my soul
I want to live for You.

Peter agrees. you (are) like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4–5). All of this makes you want to sing the chorus again.

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You.
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You.
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You.

Blessings, Pastor Don