All Things in Jesus

Words: Harry Dixon Loes (b. Oct. 20, 1892; d. Feb. 9, 1965)
Music: Harry Dixon Loes

Note: It was a sermon preached in Moody Church (Chicago), in 1915, by Paul Rader, that gave Mr. Loes the idea for his song. Pastor Rader’s theme was, “All that I want is in Jesus.”

(Stanza numbers in brackets below refer to the stanza number in The Cyber Hymnal. Find the link at the bottom of the article.)

(1) Friends all around me are trying to find
What the heart yearns for, by sin undermined;
I have the secret, I know where ’tis found:
Only true pleasures in Jesus abound.

All that I want is in Jesus.
He satisfies, joy He supplies;
Life would be worthless without Him;
All things in Jesus I find.

The Apostle Paul tells us that he focused his preaching and teaching on the cross of Christ (I Cor. 1:23; 2:2; Gal. 6:14). For good reason. All that we have, as Christians, and all we’ll enjoy throughout eternity, we have through Christ.

“We…preach…Christ Jesus the Lord” (II Cor. 4:5). “Preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). “There is…one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (I Cor. 8:6). “Christ is all and in all” Col. 3:11). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me….My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:13, 19).

The Bible speaks of the riches of God’s grace (and “the exceeding riches of His grace”), available to us now and forever, through Christ (Eph. 1:7; 2:7). These riches encompass all that we signify by the great umbrella word “salvation.” Depending on how they’re divided (because there is some overlap), the Bible describes about three or four dozen things God does for us, the moment that He saves us.

We are born again, we become new creations in Christ, we’re justified, sanctified, indwelt and sealed by the Spirit of God, made a royal priesthood, given a heavenly inheritance, and a heavenly citizenship, and so much more. All things are ours through the Lord Jesus Christ. No wonder Paul declared, “We preach Christ” (I Cor. 1:23; cf. Acts 8:5).

The world is looking for answers–all too often in the wrong places. The satisfaction brought by wealth, or fame, or worldly pleasures, is fleeting at best. Moses deserted the court of Pharaoh, and identified himself with the people of God for that very reason (Heb. 11:24-25). We have what people need, and can give a “reason for the hope that is in [us]” (I Pet. 3:15). That is why Paul said with confidence, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).

(2) Some carry burdens whose weight has for years
Crushed them with sorrow and blinded with tears.
Yet One stands ready to help them just now,
If they will humbly in penitence bow.

(4) Jesus is all this poor world needs today.
Blindly they strive, for sin darkens their way.
O to draw back the grim curtains of night,
One glimpse of Jesus and all will be bright!

Questions:

1. What are some of the things in which the unsaved world seeks without lasting success to find fulfilment and satisfaction?
2. What are some of the blessings of salvation that give you particular joy?

Links:

• 9 February 1965 – Harold Loes Died
• All Things in Jesus (The Cyber Hymnal)