See Jared Smith\u2019s video teaching on the hymn, a devotional exposition according to the Framework of Sovereign Grace.<\/p>\n
Luke 16:19-31: \u201cThere was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ephesians 1:3-14: \u201cBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
1 Fixed was the eternal state of man,
\nEre time its rapid course began;
\nAppointed, by God\u2019s firm decree,
\nTo endless joy or misery.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n2 Fixed was the vast eternal deep,
\nBetween the goats and chosen sheep;
\nNor can a union e\u2019er take place,
\n\u2018Twixt heirs of wrath and heirs of grace.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n3 All glory to the great I AM,
\nWho chose me in the blessed Lamb;
\nWhilst millions of the human race,
\nWill never know or taste His grace.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n4 And blessings on atoning blood,
\nBy which I\u2019m reconciled to God;
\nAnd praise be to the Spirit given,
\nWho frees from sin and leads to heaven.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n