Arise

As we approach the foot of the cross this Good Friday, I invite you to reflect on the words of the hymn “Arise, My Soul, Arise” by Charles Wesley. I have been sitting with this text for about a month, pondering its meaning, especially in relation to Good Friday. I find it to be a beautiful portrayal of the work of Christ, both on the cross and now as He sits at the right hand of the Father.

Arise, my soul, arise,
shake off thy guilty fears.
The bleeding Sacrifice
in my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety¹ stands,
before the throne my Surety stands;
my name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above,
for me to intercede;
His all-redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead,
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
and sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five² bleeding wounds He bears,
received on Calvary;
they pour effectual prayers,
they strongly plead for me.
“Forgive him, O, forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O, forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray,
His dear Anointed One;
He cannot turn away
the presence of His Son.
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
and tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled,
His pard’ning voice I hear;
He owns me for a child,
I can no longer fear.
With confidence I now draw nigh³,
with confidence I now draw nigh,
and, “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

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1. A old word meaning one who takes financial or other responsibility for another. It is used in Hebrews 7:22 in the KJV. ↩︎
2. A reference to the nails in Christ’s hands and feet and the spear in His side. ↩︎
3. An old word meaning “close” or “near.” ↩︎