At Calvary

William Newell became known for his insights into Biblical truths, expressed through preaching, commentaries, and teaching. Born in this day in 1868 in Savannah, Ohio, Newell spent much of his adult life as an evangelist, Bible teacher, and assistant superintendent of Moody Bible Institute.

One day, on his way to a class, he was thinking about what Christ did for him on the cross. As words formed in his mind, he stopped at an empty classroom and started writing on an old envelope. Then he gave his words to Daniel Towner, the school’s director of music. Within an hour, the hymn – “At Calvary” – was finished. It still is being sung.

Newell wrote about the years he spent “in vanity and pride.” When he did not care that “my Lord was crucified.” He didn’t even know “it was for me He died.” But “by God’s Word at last my sin I learn, then I trembled at the law I’d spurned, till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.”

But Jesus changed his life. “Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything; now I gladly own Him as my King; now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary.” He was amazed at “the love that drew salvation’s plan” and “the grace that brought it down to man.” And how “the mighty gulf that God did span!” He overflowed with praise at the mercy, grace, and pardon he received. For at Calvary, his “burdened soul found liberty.”

Today, remember that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. And He died for your sins! Think about what this means. Because of Jesus, you are forgiven and free. Satan’s stranglehold has been broken. And God’s power is unleashed in your life. Praise Him! Worship Him!