What a Savior!

Early in life, Philip Bliss discovered that God had given him special musical abilities. Born in 1838 in a log cabin in rural Pennsylvania, he was raised in a home where the focus was on Bible reading and prayer. He left home at age eleven to work in lumber camps and sawmills, but stayed true to the Lord. He began studying toward his goal of being a full-time musician, and began writing music. His first song was published in 1865.

He became known for his singing voice and powerful songs. Rejecting an invitation to join Dwight Moody’s crusades, he became part of the evangelistic efforts of his friend Major Whittle. Formally surrendering his life to Jesus, Bliss devoted his life to the music of evangelism. Selflessly, he never copyrighted any compositions, preferring that they be used freely for the Gospel. (He and his wife died tragically in a train accident when he was just 38.)

One of his last hymns describes what Jesus meant to him: “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” Bliss marveled that the “Man of Sorrows” came to reclaim “ruined sinners.” We deserved to be condemned, but He bore our shame, and stood in our place. And He sealed our pardon “with His blood.”

While we are “guilty, vile, and helpless,” He was the “spotless Lamb of God” who provided “full atonement.” The work truly “is finished!” Now He is in heaven. But, some day, He will return as “our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring.”

Today, what does Jesus mean to you? Remember, He shed His blood that you might be freed of sin. He loves you with an everlasting love. He has prepared an eternal home for you. Thank Him! Praise Him! Serve Him! What a Savior!