1 HOW sad our state by nature is!
Our sin, how deep it stains!
And Satan binds our captive souls
Fast in his slavish chains.
2 But hark! a voice of sovereign grace
Sounds from the sacred word;
"Ho, ye despairing sinners, come,
And trust upon the Lord!"
3 My soul obeys the Almighty's call,
And runs to this relief;
I would believe thy promise, Lord;
O help my unbelief!
4 To the blest fountain of thy blood,
Incarnate God, I fly;
Here let me wash my spotted soul
From sins of deepest dye.
5 A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
Into thy hands I fall;
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Saviour, and my all.
How Sad Our State By Nature Is! Video
How Sad Our State By Nature Is! Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
How Sad Our State By Nature Is! by Charles Wesley is a powerful hymn that highlights the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.
I. Introduction
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the hymn, recognizing the sorry state of humanity due to sin. It acknowledges that sin has deeply stained our souls and that Satan has bound us in his chains. This serves as a reflection on the fallen nature of mankind and the desperate need for salvation.
II. The Voice of Sovereign Grace
The second stanza introduces a ray of hope amidst the darkness of sin. It proclaims the voice of sovereign grace that sounds from the sacred word, calling out to despairing sinners to trust in the Lord. This line emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation and the invitation extended to all who are willing to believe.
III. Responding to the Call
The third stanza expresses the personal response of the singer to the call of God's grace. It acknowledges the state of unbelief and seeks divine assistance in overcoming it. This stanza portrays the humility and recognition of one's own inability to save oneself, turning to God for help and salvation.
IV. Washing in the Fountain
The fourth stanza refers to the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. It likens the soul to a spotted garment that needs to be washed in the fountain of Christ's blood. This imagery draws upon biblical references, such as Isaiah 1:18, which speaks of God making our scarlet sins white as snow through His forgiveness.
V. The Guilty Worm
The fifth and final stanza portrays the singer as a guilty, weak, and helpless worm, acknowledging complete dependence on God's strength and righteousness. It reflects the humble recognition of one's own sinfulness and the need for a Savior.
The meaning of the song revolves around the fallen state of humanity and the hope of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the desperate need for salvation, the call of God's grace to believe in Him, and the cleansing power of Christ's blood. It also highlights the humility and complete dependence on God for salvation.
The inspiration or song story behind "How Sad Our State By Nature Is!" is not explicitly documented. However, it is likely that Charles Wesley drew inspiration from his deep understanding of Scripture and his personal experience of salvation. Wesley was known for his theological depth and his ability to capture biblical truths in hymns.
Now, let us critically analyze whether the song is biblical and argue with biblical references. The overall message of the song aligns with biblical teachings on the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Let's explore some relevant passages:
1. Romans 3:23-24 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." This verse affirms the universal state of sinfulness and the need for redemption through Christ.
2. Ephesians 2:1-3 - "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." This passage highlights the fallen state of humanity and our enslavement to sin.
3. Isaiah 53:6 - "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." This verse speaks of our waywardness and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who took our sins upon Himself.
4. 1 John 1:7 - "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." This verse emphasizes the cleansing power of Christ's blood, which is referenced in the hymn as the fountain in which our souls are washed.
Based on these biblical references, we can conclude that the main key messages of the song align with biblical teachings on the fallen state of humanity, the need for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, and the cleansing power of His blood.
In conclusion, "How Sad Our State By Nature Is!" by Charles Wesley is a profound hymn that reflects on the fallen state of humanity and the hope of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Its main key messages emphasize the desperate need for salvation, the call of God's grace, and the cleansing power of Christ's blood. The song is rooted in biblical truth, aligning with teachings on sin, redemption, and the need for faith in Jesus.
