Keith Batstone, Cardiff

I was converted aged 16, or rather, it was more of a coming to the Lord Whose life, death and resurrection I had always accepted, in order to be saved. I had experienced much conviction of sin during the years 12-16.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Psalm 23:6

The promise of this verse has always been important since I had known such conviction and awareness of Hell. The certainty of this verse is important, as has been gratitude for His goodness and mercy to me in every sense – my lines have fallen in pleasant places. Also, the concept of the word ‘follow’ is of an active pursuit of the believer by these two blessings of goodness and mercy. It was also the verse Mr Higham gave us at our wedding – truly prophetic.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Do we not love the fact that it was God incarnate Who came to save us? No-one less could or would have saved, and no-one less did! The whole passage of John 1:1-18 is a thrilling declaration of Christ’s deity, glory and work, which makes our salvation so absolute and complete.

Yet indeed I also count all things loss…that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. Philippians 3:8-9

The doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ was explained by Rev. Graham Harrison at a Saturday morning Bible school at Heath in the mid-late 60’s. It opened up to me the vista of our standing before God, and that it never changes.

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

This verse came very powerfully to me during one quiet time. I asked the Lord why, and wondered if something untoward was going to happen. Shortly after, out of the blue and good health, I had a heart attack. In the midst of my great pain, Kate was able to read that passage (v9-18) and we were at peace then, and during the process which followed. The verse is a reminder that God is in all our circumstances.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

My companion will be Athanasius. My reasons are ^1. He stood for that most vital, precious and glorious doctrine of the Deity of Christ and therefore the joined doctrine of the Trinity. ^2. He stood alone – don’t we love that phrase, ‘Athanasius contra mundum’ (Athanasius against the world) and he suffered for it. I am grateful for the doctrine he upheld, and for his willingness to suffer for it many times. Standing is more difficult when the opposition is from within the Church, but he had clarity of understanding what was right, and that this had to be fought for (Jude 3). He was also a small man and that enhances him no end in my eyes.

Which song would you take to the island?

I think my song/hymn will be Hilary Disney’s “The righteousness I wear”. It has a lovely overview of the practicalities of our salvation – its cost, outcome, certainty and triumph, and is a reminder of what is, probably, my favourite doctrine.

The robe of righteousness I wear
Was bought, dear Lord, by Thee.
Thy suffering, broken body hung
In shame on Calv’ry’s tree.
By hands of sinners such as I
Thy precious blood was shed,
That men might know Thy pow’r o’er sin,
Thou quick’ner of the dead.

I did not willingly take part
In this Thine agony.
I was not there, I did not raise
An angry fist t’wards Thee;
But sin has joined my guilty hands
With those who nailed Thee there.
An enemy of Christ my God,
In all their guilt I share.

Thine ‘It is finished’ was a cry
Of vict’ry, not defeat,
Thy cleansing blood doth now all
Satan’s accusations meet.
He can no longer claim dominion
O’er my life and soul,
For by Thy grace and mercy Thou
Hast made this sinner whole.

How can I tell the beauty of
A life that’s clean, forgiv’n?
Its glories I’ll not fully know
Until I reach Thy Heav’n.
What bliss to know my precious Lord,
Within Thy sight to dwell,
Washed clean and saved from death, its sting
The grave and pow’rs of Hell.

How can I pay Thee what I owe?
A debt too great to count.
But Thou dost not require of me
One fraction of th’amount.
‘Tis grace alone enables me
To stand before Thy throne,
This robe of righteousness is mine
By grace and grace alone.

Liz Humphries, Cardiff

The Lord gloriously saved me on January 1st 1998, but in the latter years, I would describe my walk as "lukewarm", hence an initial feeling of discomfort about doing this.  Anyway, as it goes, the Lord must have willed this in His providence as I actually feel as though I am on a desert island at the moment (the world); surrounded by people but desperately desiring only to meet with that one person who can make me sing again and set my heart aflame; God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. As it transpires, thinking about the verses that have been and are precious to me has been a real blessing, so thank you for this opportunity.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

This verse spoke to me when I was first saved. What a thrill to think that the Lord of Hosts would sup with me, and I with Him. I have known this communion with Christ and, once tasted, it is yearned for. To be alone on a desert island, yet be able to have such intimate communion with my Saviour is such a wonderful blessing. Interestingly, the chapter is about the church at Laodicea, the "lukewarm" church. I was warned many years ago by the Lord to keep this door open. Backsliding happens when you don't listen to the Lord through His word. God give me the strength to open my ears and the door to supping with you again!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

This verse hung in my Mother's house and now in mine. She found it a great help and so have I through the years. Many times I have pondered, “Why, Lord?” Then I look up in my kitchen and there's the verse. Trust Me, lean on Me, acknowledge Me and don't look to your own understanding. What a relief to not have to trust myself and my own understanding. The Lord knows the path through the desert. Hallelujah!

But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

What a verse! What a Saviour! Thank the Lord for His finished work. What stripes He bore for my healing. Can I complain about being on a desert island? This verse has comforted me yet again.

But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered in to the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9, Isaiah 64:4

Some commentators say that this is not a reference to Heaven, rather knowledge or understanding of the divinely written truth. I have always held to the belief that this is about Heaven (but I haven't got a problem with the other either). It is a reminder for me that I won't always be on a desert island and that one day I will be with Him in glory. I often think of Heaven and long to see my Saviour face to face. How can we even begin to imagine this? This verse has helped me dream of home since being saved and it's just been remembered in the desert.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing John 15:5

I tried witnessing in my own strength when first saved and this is the verse that the Lord gave to me when I realised I wasn't getting anywhere. I then asked for opportunities made by Him and asked for His aid when witnessing; what a difference. I have never forgotten the experience, but my sin always causes me to err on self-sufficiency. There may be no one to witness to on a desert island, but the harvest is plenteous in this desert world. 

Which Christian from the past would you like to find on the island for company?

Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I was saved reading Mr Spurgeon's morning and evening devotions and therefore look on him as a spiritual father; still speaking long after his entrance to glory. When listening to or reading sermons I always look for the 5 C's. Christ at the centre, being Convinced, Challenged, Convicted and Comforted. He always fulfils them and preaches the whole counsel of God without apology, with conviction and compassion. Mr Spurgeon reeks of God and therefore I cannot think of anyone better to find on a desert island.

Which song would you take to the island?

There are lots of hymns I like, but I adore Edward Henry Bickersteth’s 1872 hymn. The tune is very solemn, but the words, oh the words say it all! I treat it more as a prayer really and this would be a must for any desert island.

Not worthy, Lord, to gather up the crumbs

With trembling hand that from Thy table fall,

A weary heavy-laden sinner comes

To plead Thy promise and obey Thy call.

I am not worthy to be thought Thy child,

Nor sit the last and lowest at Thy board;

Too long a wanderer, and too oft beguiled,

I only ask one reconciling word.

One word from Thee, my Lord, one smile, one look

And I could face the cold, rough world again:

And with that treasure in my heart could brook

The wrath of devils and scorn of men.

I hear Thy voice: Thou bidd'st me come and rest;

I come, I kneel, I clasp Thy pierced feet;

Thou bidd'st me take my place, a welcome guest,

Among Thy saints, and of Thy banquet eat.

My Praise can only breathe itself in prayer,

My prayer can only lose itself in Thee;

Dwell Thou forever in my heart, and there,

Lord let me sup with Thee: sup Thou with me.