Hymn Story, on MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE, by William Petersen

The pioneering radio preacher Donald Grey Barnhouse used to ask, “When you get to the pearly gates and God asks, ‘What right do you have to come into my Heaven?’ what will you say?” This song is an answer to that question. Some might flash their church membership cards or dangle their perfect-attendance Sunday school pins before the Master.  

Some might spout the theology they have learned or present their résumés packed with good deeds. “You should let me in because I would be an asset to your community. I would sing alto in your choir, and I could help out with the youth group.”  

But God does not run heaven like a country club or a successful corporation. We cannot get in on our own qualifications. The door is barred to all who try to earn their entry. But it swings wide open for the simple saint who affirms in faith, “I need no other argument, / I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, / And that He died for me.”

Scriptures: John 6:37-39; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 5:13

Themes: Faith, Assurance, Trust

Lyrics of the Hymn:

My faith has found a resting place— 
Not in device or creed:
I trust the Ever-Living One— 
His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea; 
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves—
This ends my fear and doubt; 
A sinful soul I come to Him— 
He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word— 
The written Word of God: 
Salvation by my Savior’s name— 
Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick— 
The lost He came to save; 
For me His precious blood He shed— 
For me His life He gave. 
By ELIZA EDMUNDS HEWITT (1851–1920)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 617-618). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.