1 GOD of eternal truth and grace,
Thy faithful promise seal!
Thy word, thy oath, to Abraham's race,
In us, even us, fulfil.
2 Let us, to perfect love restored,
Thy image here retrieve,
And in the presence of our Lord
The life of angels live.
3 That mighty faith on me bestow
Which cannot ask in vain,
Which holds, and will not let thee go,
Till I my suit obtain;
4 Till thou into my soul inspire
The perfect love unknown,
And tell my infinite desire,
"Whate'er thou wilt, be done."
5 But is it possible that I
Should live and sin no more?
Lord, if on thee I dare rely,
The faith shall bring the power.
6 On me that faith divine bestow
Which doth the mountain move;
And all my spotless life shall show
The omnipotence of love.
God Of Eternal Truth And Grace
God Of Eternal Truth And Grace Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"God Of Eternal Truth And Grace," a hymn by the prolific eighteenth-century English theologian and hymn writer Charles Wesley, stands as a profound expression of faith, aspiration, and the pursuit of Christian holiness. It encapsulates core tenets of Wesleyan theology, particularly the emphasis on God's faithfulness and the transformative power of grace leading towards spiritual perfection. This hymn has resonated with believers for centuries, articulating a deep desire for God's promises to be fulfilled in the lives of individuals, leading to a state of grace and devoted living.
A video release on September 13, 2024, presents this enduring hymn to a contemporary audience, underscoring its continued relevance and ability to inspire reflection and worship across generations. Such presentations serve to connect the historical depth of the text with modern modes of engagement, allowing its message of faith and aspiration to reach new listeners and reinforce its meaning for those already familiar with it. The specific date marks a moment for this particular rendition to enter the public sphere, adding to the rich history of the hymn's performance and interpretation.
The meaning of the hymn unfolds through its six stanzas, beginning with a direct address to God, acknowledging divine truth and grace, and petitioning for the fulfillment of promises made, particularly those originally given to Abraham's lineage. The prayer extends to the present believers, asking that these ancient vows be realized in them. The hymn then moves to the aspiration for restoration – a return to the original image of God, characterized by perfect love. This state is envisioned as living "the life of angels," a metaphor for existence in the unmediated presence and fellowship of the Lord, reflecting purity and devotion.
A central theme emerges in the longing for a specific kind of faith – one that is powerful, effective, and persistent. The text describes this as a faith "which cannot ask in vain," a faith that "holds, and will not let thee go, till I my suit obtain." This reflects a determined spiritual wrestling, a refusal to cease seeking until the desired transformation occurs. This fervent seeking is for the "perfect love unknown" to be inspired within the soul, leading to complete surrender to God's will, expressed in the profound declaration, "Whate'er thou wilt, be done." The hymn confronts the apparent impossibility of living without sin, a state often viewed as unattainable. Yet, it immediately affirms that relying on God through faith provides the necessary power for such a life.
The final stanza reiterates the plea for divine faith, described as the kind that can "move the mountain." This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic spiritual force that empowers transformative living. The ultimate outcome of this faith is a "spotless life," lived in the fullness of God's power. This life is presented as a demonstration of the "omnipotence of love," showing that God's perfect love, received and lived out through faith, is the mighty power that enables believers to overcome sin and live according to a higher standard, reflecting the divine nature.
The themes presented in the hymn find grounding in numerous biblical passages. The concept of God's faithful promises is a cornerstone of scripture, seen throughout the Old Testament covenants and fulfilled in the New Testament (e.g., Romans 4, Hebrews 6:13-18). The aspiration to be restored to God's image resonates with verses discussing creation and redemption (Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10). The quest for perfect love connects with the biblical command to love God and neighbor perfectly and the understanding of God's perfect love for humanity (Matthew 5:48, 1 John 4:18). The portrayal of a powerful, persistent faith that can move obstacles directly references Jesus' teachings on faith (Matthew 17:20, Mark 11:23, Luke 18:1-8 on persistent prayer). The controversial but central theme of living without sin or striving for holiness is addressed in scriptures that call believers to be holy as God is holy and discuss overcoming sin (1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 John 3:9). The hymn weaves these scriptural threads into a coherent prayer for complete spiritual transformation and empowered living through faith in God's omnipotent love.
