At Calvary

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

One day, on his way to class, he was thinking about what Christ had done for him on the Cross, and words began forming in his mind. He stopped in an empty classroom and wrote the words on an old envelope, which he then gave to Daniel Towner, the school’s director of music. Within an hour, the hymn “At Calvary,” was finished. It still is being sung today.

Newell wrote about years spent “in vanity and pride,” when he didn’t 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.”

Jesus changed everything for Newell. “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,” “the grace that brought it down to man,” and “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! Stop and think about what this means. Because of Jesus, you are forgiven and freed from the curse of sin and death. Satan’s stranglehold has been broken, and God wants to unleash His power in your life. Praise Him!