This last Sunday we considered the first petition that Jesus had for His eleven true disciples: “Keep them in Your Name” and by extension all those who trust in Christ alone for salvation. It is a wonderful truth that if you have trusted in Christ you are completely secure in Him. No matter how you feel at the moment or what is currently raging in your heart or circumstances you will be kept by means of who God your Father is.
Specifically in the context of this petition in John 17, we saw that the Father keeping us by means of His name means protecting us from disunity (11b), apostasy (12), the world (13-14), Satan (15), and even from your own sin (17). Below are the words to the song that was sung at the close of the service. You can listen to a recording of this same song here. May your heart be strengthened this week as you consider the reality that Christ will hold you fast.
He Will Hold Me Fast
When I fear my faith will fail,
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold;
He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so,
He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight,
Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight,
He will hold me fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost;
His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost,
He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died,
Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied;
He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life,
He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight,
-When He comes at last!
Lyrics vv. 1-2 Ada Habershon (1861-1918), Public Domain;
Alt words vv.1-2, lyrics v.3, and music: Matt Merker, © 2013
